Police in Kalahandi arrested four men late Tuesday night for impersonating officers and extorting money from residents in Palam Chhak under the Kesinga Model Police Station.
The accused—Ashish Majhi, Naresh Harijan, Gopal Harijan, and Ajit Sahu—are all residents of M. Rampur in Kalahandi. According to SDPO Sandeep Majhi, the group had been targeting locals at night for a long time, posing as police officers to demand money.
Investigators seized the vehicle used in the crimes. The car was fitted with red and blue flashing LED lights and a siren, giving it the appearance of an official police vehicle. Police also recovered iron rods and grenades from the accused.
SDPO Majhi revealed that the same vehicle was reportedly used to transport ganja, and further investigation is underway to identify others connected to the network. The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in curbing criminal activities in the region.
The accused were produced in court, and police confirmed that additional suspects linked to the case will be apprehended soon. Authorities emphasised that impersonation of law enforcement not only misleads citizens but also undermines public trust in genuine police operations.
ALSO READ: Odisha Launches Sudakshya Scheme Employment Pilot for Women Trainees
