In a decisive law enforcement operation, Odisha Police have arrested a notorious criminal and invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against him, while simultaneously dismantling a large ganja smuggling network operating in the Koraput district. The dual operation, carried out by coordinated police teams, marks a significant step in the state’s crackdown on organised crime and drug trafficking.

Arrest of Notorious Criminal

The police identified Hrudananda Nayak, also known as Prince, a resident of Umri in the Jeypore Sadar police station area, as a key target. Nayak had been a wanted criminal in 17 cases, ranging from extortion and dacoity to violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. His criminal activities had posed a persistent threat to public safety across Jeypore, Boriguma, and Nabarangpur regions.

To curb Nayak’s organized criminal operations and ensure public order, authorities invoked the NSA against him. “To effectively curb his persistent and organised criminal activities and maintain public order, the National Security Act has been invoked against him,” said DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh. The NSA invocation allows law enforcement to detain the accused for extended periods without bail, underlining the severity of his criminal record and the danger he posed to the community.

Ganja Smuggling Bust

In a parallel operation, the Padwa Police carried out a major seizure of illegal cannabis, targeting a gang led by Lal Bahadur Darjee, a repeat offender with over 20 criminal cases, including charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and NDPS Acts. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted a van transporting ganja from Dokanput towards Pottangi.

The operation saw a brief chase, during which one of the accused allegedly brandished a firearm to intimidate the police. Demonstrating courage and tactical coordination, the team successfully apprehended all five suspects without injury. Koraput Superintendent of Police Rohit Verma praised the team for their professionalism, stating, “One of the accused even brandished a pistol to threaten the police, but the team displayed remarkable courage and arrested all five accused without any injury.”

Details of Arrests and Seizures

The arrested individuals include Lal Bahadur Darjee of Kusumput, Trinath Khara, Suresh Bisoi alias Butia, Sanjaya Khara, and Jogesh Khara, all from the Machhkund area. Police seized 350 kilograms of ganja, two pistols, one van used for transportation, several mobile phones, Aadhaar and PAN cards, driving licenses, and cash during the operation.

The sheer scale of the seizure and the involvement of repeat offenders highlight the organized nature of the ganja trafficking network. Authorities have indicated that the gang’s operations were well-planned, with connections spanning multiple districts and possibly extending to other states.

Investigative Follow-Up

Following the bust, authorities announced plans to extend their investigation to Bihar to trace the backward linkages of the ganja network. DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh emphasized the police’s strategic approach: “Our focus remains on dismantling the entire supply chain, both backward and forward linkages.” This indicates a commitment to addressing not just the street-level distribution but also the upstream supply chain, targeting the network’s operatives, financiers, and transportation mechanisms.

The dual operation—arresting a notorious criminal under NSA and breaking up a large-scale ganja trafficking racket—demonstrates Odisha Police’s proactive approach to combating organized crime. By combining intelligence, local tip-offs, and coordinated action, law enforcement has significantly disrupted criminal activities in Koraput district, sending a clear message to other offenders operating in the region.

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Measures

The invocation of the NSA against Hrudananda Nayak underscores the government’s determination to neutralize threats to public safety posed by highly dangerous criminals. The act allows authorities to prevent habitual offenders from continuing their operations, particularly when standard legal measures are insufficient to mitigate immediate threats.

The seizure of 350 kg of cannabis also has broader implications for the state’s drug enforcement policies. By targeting organized smuggling networks, police not only reduce the availability of illegal substances in the region but also weaken the financial structures that support criminal gangs. Authorities have highlighted that the seized ganja was likely intended for distribution across multiple districts, potentially fueling criminal activity and addiction.

Challenges in Tackling Organized Crime

Koraput district, due to its terrain and proximity to interstate borders, has often been vulnerable to organized criminal networks, including drug trafficking. Investigations into such networks require sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and cross-district coordination. The recent operations demonstrate the police’s capability to mobilize resources effectively, intercept criminal logistics, and apprehend high-risk offenders without casualties.

Moreover, the inclusion of firearms in the ganja gang’s operation underscores the potential for violence and highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel in these missions. The successful execution of the operation without injury reflects rigorous training, planning, and risk management by the police teams involved.

Community Impact

The arrest of Hrudananda Nayak and the dismantling of the ganja trafficking ring have positive implications for public safety in Koraput and surrounding areas. By removing high-risk criminals from the streets and curbing the flow of illegal drugs, police aim to restore community confidence and reduce the prevalence of violent crime linked to organized gangs.

Officials have urged citizens to continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing intelligence and reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that community participation is crucial in maintaining law and order.

Conclusion

The dual operations conducted by Odisha Police in Koraput—invoking the NSA against a notorious criminal and dismantling a large-scale ganja trafficking network—illustrate the state’s robust approach to tackling organized crime and maintaining public order. Through intelligence-led policing, coordinated field operations, and a focus on dismantling both supply and distribution networks, authorities have achieved significant success in a single set of operations.

As investigations continue, police officials aim to trace the broader criminal networks connected to the seized drugs and apprehend any remaining associates. The operations serve as a strong message to organized criminal gangs that law enforcement is vigilant and equipped to respond decisively to threats against public safety.