Sambalpur: Town Police Station ASI Bidyut Panda Suspended in Narcotic Cough Syrup Theft Case; Stole 400 Bottles by Filling Bags with Bricks

Shocking Theft at Town Police Station

Sambalpur: The suspension of ASI (Assistant Sub-Inspector) Bidyut Panda has become a major topic of discussion in Sambalpur after he was caught stealing narcotic cough syrup from the town police station’s evidence store (malkhana).

Earlier, police had seized large quantities of cough syrup from various places and kept them securely inside the malkhana. However, Panda cleverly replaced the syrup cartons with bricks and then took the stolen cartons outside to sell them.

Recent Promotion Did Not Stop the Crime

Interestingly, Panda had worked as a constable and station writer at the same police station before he was promoted to ASI a few months ago. Because of his long experience, he was well aware of all internal procedures. Using this knowledge, he chose the right moment to carry out the theft.

Discovery During Court Transfer Process

On May 17, while the investigation officer was preparing to present the seized items before the court, one suspicious bag caught attention. When senior officers opened it, they found bricks inside instead of syrup bottles. Further checks revealed that two cartons containing 400 bottles of cough syrup were missing.

Immediate Investigation Uncovered the Truth

The incident caused an uproar at the station, prompting an urgent review of CCTV footage. The footage clearly showed ASI Panda taking the key, filling the bag with bricks, and removing the two cartons of syrup. Following this discovery, police registered a case and arrested Panda.

During questioning, Panda confessed to stealing the syrup, and police recovered the two missing cartons from him. The department immediately issued him a suspension notice and informed higher authorities in writing.

Broader Investigation into Police Involvement

Now, police are investigating whether Panda had stolen items earlier and if other police staff or officers are also involved in the narcotics trade. The demand for a high-level investigation has grown stronger.

Pattern of Misconduct at the Station

Notably, just last Tuesday, former town police officer Ranjan Bishwal and SI Abhishek Pradhan were also suspended over a separate land fraud case. Repeated incidents of misconduct at the town police station have left Sambalpur residents shocked and concerned.