Two youths from Surumi village in Nandapur block, Koraput district have accused Andhra’s Muchimpud Police of illegally detaining and torturing them for five days on false charges of ganja smuggling.
According to the complaint filed at Machkund Police Station, the victims — Rammurti Niriki (32) of Surumi and Suresh Khil (39) of Godihanjara — said they were intercepted on June 27 while returning from visiting a relative in Andhra’s Kumbiripada village. Their car was searched, but police found nothing. Despite this, they were branded ganja traders and taken to Muchimpud Police Station.
The youths alleged that officers, led by SI Nani Babu, confined them in an abandoned house, handcuffed them, denied food, and beat them repeatedly with sticks and stones. They claimed police forced them to admit to ganja smuggling and threatened to stage an encounter if they refused.
Family members, after learning of their detention, approached the station. The victims said police demanded ₹3 lakh for their release. Their families arranged Rs 2.5 lakh, after which the youths were freed, but police withheld their car and mobile phones, demanding the remaining amount.
Both victims returned home in critical condition and received treatment at Lamptaput Health Centre. Once stable, Rammurti Niriki lodged a formal complaint at Machkund Police Station. Inspector Kulamani Buruda confirmed that an investigation is underway.
On Tuesday, the victims and their families planned to meet the Koraput SP and District Collector to submit a memorandum, alleging that Andhra Police routinely harass Odisha residents near the border with false cases, torture, and extortion.
