Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: A series of incidents involving the theft of seized contraband—especially narcotics—from police custody in Jharkhand has raised serious questions about policing standards, storage protocols, and accountability, with cases undermining evidence integrity and weakening prosecutions.
Liquor Looted From Giridih Circuit House
In Giridih district, nearly 2,000 cartons of liquor seized five years ago from Nimiaghat were allegedly siphoned off in an organised manner from an old circuit house where the stock was kept for security reasons. Acting on the matter, the Excise Department arrested three people on December 1, 2025, including a former Special Branch SPO, Shashi, for allegedly stealing and illegally selling the seized liquor.
Sealed Police Store Breached in Dumka
In Dumka’s Mufassil police station area, thieves brazenly broke police seals and removed a large consignment of banned cough syrup (Corex) worth lakhs that was under police custody. The theft occurred on the night of December 21, 2025. Shockingly, after opening the police lock and removing the evidence, the perpetrators installed a different lock to conceal the crime, triggering widespread concern over internal lapses.
Ranchi Case Where “Rats Ate 200 kg of Ganja”
In Ranchi’s Ormanjhi police station, around 200 kg of ganja kept under strict supervision was reportedly destroyed by rats, according to a submission made by police to the court. The incident relates to an NDPS case registered on January 17, 2022, against Indrajeet Rai of Vaishali district, Bihar. Citing grave evidentiary gaps and gross negligence, the court acquitted the accused, calling the explanation unacceptable.
Accountability and Evidence Integrity at Stake
These repeated breaches—occurring in sealed rooms and guarded facilities—have sparked calls for tighter storage norms, independent audits, and responsibility fixing. Beyond operational embarrassment, the lapses risk compromising trials, enabling accused persons to secure relief due to weakened evidence chains.
