In a major crackdown on illegal activities, Asika Police in Ganjam district conducted a special operation across multiple locations on Thursday, arresting 34 people.
Raids targeted illegal liquor manufacturing units and gambling dens. As part of the operation, strict checks were carried out on the Rushikulya river bridge near Kalasandhapur, where police seized seven mausers and three live bullets, arresting two individuals in connection with the recovery.
Separate raids in Balisira and Rugumu villages led to the destruction of around 3,000 litres of illicit country liquor and the seizure of 150 litres of liquor, along with jaggery and urea used in production. Five persons were arrested in these operations.
Gambling dens in Dharakote, Patapur, Hinjili, Badagada, and Sheragada police stations were also raided, resulting in 27 arrests and seizure of Rs 80,000 in cash.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Santosh Kumar Jena stated that several arrested individuals have multiple cases registered against them. Investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the seized firearms and bullets and determine the intended targets, along with further inquiries into all related cases.
