Sambalpur: Setting up of a new police outpost at Hirakud town in this district has stoked a controversy as it was reportedly established without the sanction of the state government, a report said.
The outpost being established without the approval of the state home department has caught superintendent of police (SP) Akhileshwar Singh on the wrong foot.
Serious questions are being raised on the motive behind the move despite the presence of a police station in the area.
On being apprised of the development, police deputy inspector general (DIG-Northern range) Pratik Mohanty is learnt to have sought a report from the SP on the matter.
When contacted, Singh ruled out any irregularities in establishment of the outpost claiming it was set up keeping in view the rising incidents of loot, theft, dacoity and other anti-social activities in the town.
He has submitted a proposal in this regard to the state government which will at least take five to six months for securing the approval, the SP said.
Moreover, he said the outpost was established honouring the long-standing demand of the people. Police personnel have also patrolling for the security of the people, he added.
Mohanty said that he had sought a report on the matter from Singh but the latter had denied about establishment of the outpost.
According to reports, Singh joined as the chief guest and inaugurated the police outpost at Cheptipulia at Remed Square in Hirakud town July 19, 2016. Among others Hindalco’s Hirakud unit chief Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Hindalco power chief Rakesh Gupta and Hirakud sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Abakash Routray were present on the occasion.
In view of the presence of two officials of Hindalco, it is suspected that the outpost was established at the behest of Hindalco authorities.
A building under construction carries a signage of Hirakud police outpost and the plaque of the outpost also mentions the name of the SP as the inaugurator.
However, the SP rejecting the establishment of any such outpost in his report to the DIG has surprised many. Now all eyes are on the state home department which will take a final call on the issue. PNN
