Fresh FIR Filed Against Former Odisha Prison DG Over Alleged Drug-Framing Conspiracy
Bhubaneswar: Fresh legal troubles have emerged for former Odisha Director General (DG) of Prisons, Susanta Kumar Nath, after a former jail official lodged an FIR alleging that he was pressured to falsely implicate an undertrial prisoner in a narcotics case.
The complaint was filed by former Balasore District Jail jailer Pradipta Kumar Mahalik at Capital Police Station in Bhubaneswar.
According to the FIR, Mahalik alleged that Nath directed him to plant brown sugar inside the jail premises and subsequently conduct a raid to falsely frame an undertrial inmate.
Mahalik claimed that he was summoned to Bhubaneswar and allegedly offered promotions, recognition, and other service benefits to execute the plan.
However, he refused, stating that such an act would be illegal and unethical.
The former jailer further alleged that after declining the proposal, he faced increased pressure from senior officials and was eventually suspended.
Prior to filing the FIR, he had reportedly submitted a representation to the Home Department seeking an impartial investigation into the matter and requesting reinstatement.
The latest allegations add to the growing controversies surrounding Nath.
Earlier, former Choudwar Jail jailer Santosini Das had accused him of sexual harassment, intimidation and mental harassment, allegations that had already triggered administrative action against the former prisons chief.
Following those allegations, the Odisha government removed Nath from the post of DG of Prisons and reassigned him as an Officer on Special Duty in the Home Department.
Reports indicate that he had approached the High Court seeking relief in connection with the earlier case.
With the registration of the fresh FIR, investigators are expected to examine the new allegations and determine whether any criminal wrongdoing occurred.
