Deogarh, Odisha : In a startling breach of police custody, crucial machinery worth approximately ₹11 lakh was allegedly stolen from a truck seized by the Kundheigola Police following a road accident. The incident has raised serious questions about the handling and security of evidence in police custody.
According to reports, the truck involved in an accident on March 14 while en route from Budhapal to Deogarh was seized along with a pickup van by Kundheigola police. Surprisingly, instead of securing the vehicle within the police station premises, it was left parked at a roadside dhaba in Budhapal.
Just a day later, several expensive engine and mechanical parts went missing from the vehicle. This negligence has sparked suspicions regarding the role of the police in ensuring the vehicle’s safety.
Following a complaint lodged by the truck owner, Mahendra Pradhan of Bandhupali village under Redhakhol police limits, police registered a case and began an investigation. As a result, three individuals — Sanjay Nayak and Jitendra Nayak of Gadiapal village (Kundheigola PS) and Prabhas Mahanty of Talgada village (Athgarh PS) — were arrested and produced in court.
The court rejected their bail plea, and all three have been remanded to judicial custody.
However, the case continues to raise uncomfortable questions: How could such a theft occur under police supervision? Why was the vehicle not brought to the station immediately? With the key suspects in custody but the stolen parts yet to be recovered, the police now face mounting pressure to explain this serious lapse in protocol.
