In a disturbing breach of trust, Rayagada Town Police arrested three home guards on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in a loot of Rs 9 lakh cash and a gold chain from a trader, masquerading as police during a fake operation.
The victim, Uma Reddy, a trader from Garabandh in Gajapati district, was in Rayagada to sell black turmeric, a valuable herbal commodity. At Rapukana Chhak, the trader was intercepted by individuals pretending to be police officers and robbed using intimidation.
Following the complaint, Rayagada Town Police launched an investigation leading to the arrest of seven people, including two home guards from Kalyansinghpur Police Station and one from Bissamcuttack Police Station, as well as one woman. Police seized Rs 2.83 lakh in cash, an SUV, a motorcycle, and six mobile phones connected to the crime.
Rayagada ASP, Amulya Kumar Dhar, stated that the incident has raised serious concerns about the misuse of police uniforms and authority, sparking demands for stricter controls over auxiliary police personnel. Further charges may be filed as investigations continue.
In a related case highlighting issues within auxiliary forces, a home guard named Prashant Sandha was arrested in March in Binika, Subarnapur district for smuggling cannabis. Sandha was caught transporting the drug on his scooter and was subsequently produced in court along with an accomplice.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for rigorous verification and oversight of auxiliary police personnel to restore public trust.
