Sambalpur: DGP Suspends Former Town Police Station IIC Ranjan Biswal and SI Abhishek Pradhan; Police Allegedly Involved in Conspiracy to Sell Deceased Person’s Land

Sambalpur: In a significant move, the DGP has suspended two police officers in connection with a land fraud case under the Sambalpur Town police limits. The action was taken against former Town IIC Ranjan Bishwal and SI Abhishek Pradhan for neglecting their duties. Trusted sources confirmed that the suspension followed serious lapses in handling the case.

Bribe and Settlement Allegations

Police officers deliberately mishandled a land dispute involving financial settlements, according to reports. SI Abhishek Pradhan allegedly orchestrated the monetary dealings as the primary middleman, and the Sambalpur S.P. reportedly accepted a bribe connected to this case. As a result, there had been growing public demand to take action against both the then IIC and the investigating officer.

In March, the police had arrested six individuals, including DSR Surya Narayan, but the public has also demanded their arrest, not just suspension.

Details of the Land Fraud

The disputed land lies in Danipali (near Budharaja–Ainthapali road) and measures about 21 decimals (Plot No. 2110, Khata No. 73384, Mauza-14). The land had remained vacant for many years after its original owner, Binod Kumar Gupta, passed away in 2001. No one claimed possession over it for a long time.

Seeing an opportunity, land brokers hatched a plan to sell the plot fraudulently. The accused include:

• Ajit Jena (from Gobindtola)
• Chandra Prasad Dunguria (from Kalbadi)
• Raghunath Bagh (from Gambharakata)
• Murar Govind Meher

They conspired to illegally sell the land to Venkata Balaji Patra and Sujit Kumar Patra by falsely presenting Govind Meher as the son of the original owner, Binod Gupta.

A fake sale deed was registered on 23 September 2022.

Victim’s Family Filed a Complaint

After learning about the fraudulent sale, the brother of the real owner lodged a complaint at Town Police Station on 6 June 2024. Despite this, the land was again resold in January to Shyam Training Corporation by the same two buyers, Venkata Balaji Patra and Sujit Kumar Patra.

Meanwhile, DSR Surya Narayan also filed a report, claiming that the accused used threats and forged documents to execute the sale deed.

Arrests and Ongoing Demands

Based on previous complaints, the DSR’s report, and a fresh complaint from Binod Gupta’s son, the police arrested eight people so far. However, many continue to demand the immediate arrest of the suspended officers for their role in enabling the fraud.

This land fraud case highlights serious corruption and negligence within the police force. Although some arrests have been made, public pressure continues to grow for stricter action against all those involved.