Nayagarh: The Sujit Das case involving the former Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Sarankul Police Station has taken another turn, with Crime Branch teams conducting searches at multiple locations in connection with the investigation into allegations of rape.
The former Sarankul IIC, identified as Sujit Kumar Das, has been facing a case following a woman’s complaint. The investigation was handed over to the Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW & CW) of the Odisha Crime Branch after the allegations were reported in June.
According to the latest information provided for this report, Crime Branch teams are carrying out searches at different locations as part of efforts to trace the former police officer.
Sujit Das Case Under Crime Branch Investigation
The case began after a woman lodged a complaint against Sujit Kumar Das while he was serving as IIC of Sarankul Police Station in Nayagarh district.
Police authorities subsequently transferred Das from Sarankul Police Station to the Nayagarh district police headquarters to facilitate an impartial investigation. The CAW & CW wing was later assigned to investigate the allegations.
A case was registered at Sarankul Police Station on June 17, 2026, following the complaint. Reports at the time said the allegations were being treated seriously and that a DSP-rank officer was assigned to the investigation.
The Odisha Police later suspended Das. The suspension order cited alleged misconduct and dereliction of duty, while departmental proceedings were also contemplated against him.
NBW Reported Against Former Sarankul IIC
The latest information supplied for this report states that a non-bailable warrant (NBW) has been issued against Sujit Kumar Das because he had allegedly remained away from the investigation for an extended period.
Following the reported court order, multiple Crime Branch teams are said to have stepped up searches at different locations to trace him. The CAW & CW and Crime Wing teams are involved in the search operation, according to the information provided.
However, there is an important development that needs to be kept in view. A Times of India report published on August 6 said Das had appeared before the CAW & CW for questioning and that he had obtained interim protection from arrest from the Orissa High Court. The report said his statement was recorded during questioning.
Because of this, the current status of the reported NBW and any subsequent court order should be confirmed from the latest court or police record before publication as a definitive arrest-status claim.
Allegations and Investigation
The allegations against Das were made by a woman who had approached Sarankul Police seeking help in connection with a land dispute and other difficulties, according to reports published when the case was registered.
The woman alleged that the officer sexually exploited her. She also reportedly submitted material including WhatsApp conversations and screenshots of video calls as part of her complaint. These are allegations and have not been established as facts by a court.
The decision to transfer the investigation to the specialised CAW & CW wing was intended to ensure that the allegations were examined independently. The police department also took administrative action against Das by transferring him from Sarankul and subsequently placing him under suspension.
The investigation will determine the facts of the case and the legal action that may follow.
What Happens Next
The focus is now on the Crime Branch investigation and the legal status of the former Sarankul IIC.
If the reported searches are continuing, investigators may be seeking to establish Das’s whereabouts and complete the next steps directed by the court and the investigating agency. Any arrest or further action will depend on the applicable court orders and the progress of the investigation.
The Sujit Das case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the former police officer should not be treated as a conviction unless and until they are established through due legal process.
