(Watch video): Locals set Phiringia PS on fire alleging involvement of IIC, two staff in ganja peddling in Odisha’s Kandhamal

Phulbani: Hundreds of incensed locals blazed Phiringia police station over the alleged involvement of IIC and two subordinate staff in illegal trading of cannabis. The agitators demand strong action against the PS in charge Tapan Kumar Nahaka and home guards Prashant Patra and Rabi Digal.

The locals staged a roadblock at Phiringia Block Office Chhak earlier in the day over the issue.

“The cops are involved in illegal activity. They should be booked and arrested,” some locals said.

According to a source, a police vehicle loaded with cannabis had gone to Budhakamba village 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.

The irate locals barricaded Phulbani-Baliguda road with bamboo and shouted slogans against the IIC and his aides. The vehicular moment was completely disrupted on this route. A number of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the road, the source added.

No police official reached the spot and despite attempts, reactions of the SP and other senior officials could not be obtained.

The agitation was underway till the filing of this report.

Watch the video:

(Irate mob setting the police station on fire)