Cops invoke NSA against ganja mafia

Koraput: invoked the National Security Act () against a notorious criminal and cracked down on a major that led to the arrest of five persons, including a ganja mafia, on Wednesday. Police seized 350kg of ganja and two pistols during the raid.

Police sources NSA has been imposed on Hrudananda Nayak alias Prince (35), of Umri under Jeypore Sadar police limits. Nayak is a habitual offender with 17 criminal cases pending against him for grave offences such as extortion, violations of the NDPS Act, and dacoity. According to police, he had long posed a serious threat to public safety in Jeypore and Borigumma areas of Koraput district as well as adjoining parts of Nabarangpur district.

In another operation, Padwa police seized 350 kg of ganja and two pistols from a gang led by Lal Bahadur Darjee (34), a ganja trafficker and repeat offender with more than 20 previous criminal cases, including those under the Pocso Act, NDPS Act, and extortion.

The other accused have been identified as Trinath Khara (30), Suresh Bisoi alias Butia (22), Sanjaya Khara (19), and Jogesh Khara (20), all from Machhkund area. A SUV, two pistols and several mobile phones were seized from them.

The operation was carried out on Oct 14 and the vehicle was intercepted when ganja was being transported in a four-wheeler at Mali Sublar Chhak between Dokanput and Pottangi.

Police said the anti-crime and anti-extortion helpline launched under the supervision of SDPO (Jeypore) Parth Kashyap, (9438916918), has received overwhelming public response.