Koraput Police Seize 350 Kg Ganja, Nab Notorious Criminals in High-Stakes Operation
Koraput, Odisha | October 15, 2025 — In a decisive blow to organised crime, Koraput Police executed a high-risk operation on October 14, intercepting a major ganja smuggling attempt and arresting several hardened criminals.
Acting on a tip-off, Sub-Inspector Surendra Kumar Sethi and his team from Padwa Police Station set up a checkpoint at Mali Sublar Chhak to intercept a Mahindra Bolero suspected of transporting ganja from Dokanput to Pottangi.
When signalled to stop, the vehicle sped off, triggering a high-speed chase.
Near Arlabput, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee into the forest. One of them brandished a pistol to deter the police, but the team responded with tactical precision, apprehending all five individuals without injury.
Among those arrested was Lal Bahadur Darjee, a repeat offender with over 20 serious cases, including POCSO, NDPS violations, and extortion.
Police recovered 350 kg of ganja, two pistols (one marked “AUTO DISTAL MADE IN USA”), mobile phones, identity documents, and cash. The smuggling vehicle was also seized.
In a separate but related crackdown, police invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against Hrudananda Nayak alias Prince, a dreaded criminal with 17 cases involving extortion, dacoity, and NDPS violations. He was arrested following due legal procedures.
These back-to-back actions underscore Koraput Police’s intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore public safety in southern Odisha.
