Berhampur: A day after the seizure of narcotics and money from the cell of Ramesh Jena in the circle correctional facility, Ganjam collector and District Magistrate Prem Chandra Choudhury on Tuesday directed the prison authority to move the previous Congress MLA to Chhatrapur prison.
The collector likewise ordered shifting of Jena’s associate and Corporator Ranjit Nayak from Berhampur to Digapahandi prison for security reasons.
A surprise raid on the Berhampur circle jail on Monday led to seizure of mobile phones, large quantity of cash, sharp weapons and narcotics from its cells. A major portion of the seizure was allegedly found in possession of former Congress MLA Ramesh Jena, who is housed in the same jail.
The seizures also hint that even after his arrest, Ramesh, alleged to be heading a crime syndicate, was continuing with his clout from inside the jail premises. Mobile phones, Rs.66,260 in cash, four fans, costly cigarette packets and marijuana were seized from his cell . Total cash seized from various jail cells was Rs.83,430.
The raid was conducted in the presence of Inspector General of Police, southern range, Amitabh Thakur, Ganjam District Collector Prem Chand Choudhary, Berhampur Superintendent of Police Ashis Singh and other senior officials.
