Phulbani: The key accused identified as Bapi alias Biswaranjan Kahanr was arrested today in connection with incensed locals setting Phiringia police station on fire in Kandhamal district on August 5.

A probe team arrested Biswaranjan from Phulbani town. With this, the total number of arrested persons in the case reached 24, informed investigating officer (IO) and DSP Kamalakanta Panda.

Allegedly, Biswaranjan had instigated others to commit the crime on the intervening day. He is a former sarpanch of Phiringia gram panchayat in the district, a police source expressed.

Also Read: Locals set Phiringia PS on fire alleging involvement of IIC, two staff in ganja peddling

It is pertinent to mention, hundreds of irate locals had blazed the PS over the alleged involvement of the IIC and two subordinate staff in the illegal trading of cannabis. The agitators demanded strong action against the PS in charge Tapan Kumar Nahaka and home guards Prashant Patra and Rabi Digal.

Locals had staged a roadblock at Phiringia Block Office Chhak over the issue. “These three policemen are involved in the illegal activity. They should be booked and arrested,” the agitators had said.

It is said that a police vehicle loaded with cannabis had gone to Budhakamba village on August 3 night to sell the contraband item to a peddler. However, this was noticed by standing Phiringia sarpanch Jalandhar Kahanr and former sarpanch Biswaranjan Kahanr. The duo intercepted the vehicle along with several residents of the village. The locals captured videos of the incident on mobile phones.

Subsequently, the locals sent the videos to Kandhamal SP Suvendu Kumar Patra the next day demanding action against the three policemen. As no action was taken in this regard, this irked the locals.