Search Op / Crime Branch Hunts Ex‑IIC Sujit Das in Assault Case

Bhubaneswar, Aug 26: The Crime Branch has launched a search operation for former Sarankul police station Inspector‑in‑Charge (IIC) Sujit Kumar Das, who is facing serious charges of sexual assault.

Acting on a non‑bailable warrant (NBW) issued against him, Crime Branch teams raided his residence in Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, but Das remains absconding.

The case stems from allegations made by a woman from Sarankul area in Nayagada district. She had earlier approached the district Superintendent of Police, accusing Das of misconduct.

Also read: Tehsildar Suspended over Land Fraud Case in Odisha

Following her complaint, Das was transferred to the district police headquarters, and a formal case was registered against him.

According to reports, the woman’s family had a land dispute with villagers, during which her house was allegedly damaged. Seeking help, she approached Sarankul police station.

Das, then IIC, took her phone number under the pretext of assisting with the case. Over time, he allegedly sent obscene photos, used abusive language during calls, and even forced her into video calls where he exposed himself.

The victim further alleged that one day, while she was standing near Nayagarh PTS Square, Das forcibly took her to his rented house and committed sexual assault.

Das had earlier applied for anticipatory bail in the High Court, which initially granted him interim protection. He appeared before Crime Branch investigators, who recorded his statement and conducted medical examinations.

However, the High Court later withdrew his interim protection after reviewing evidence submitted by the Crime Branch. On August 20, the court rejected his anticipatory bail plea and directed him to surrender before the lower court. Since then, Das has gone into hiding.

The case was initially registered at Sarankul police station but was later transferred to the Crime Against Women (CAW) unit of the Crime Branch for detailed investigation. Officials have confirmed that all evidence has been submitted to the court, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused officer.