Rakesh Kumar Sahoo

IPS Officer @Odisha Cadre | Ex- IRTS Officer UPSC CSE 2018 Batch
IIT Kharagpur B Tech Grad | Marathoner

[Indian Masterminds @i3masterminds]

🌳 For years, deep inside Odisha's Gajapati forests, an illegal drug empire thrived.

Cannabis fields stretched across remote hills.

🚨 Ganja was hidden in forest shelters, mountain pits, and dense jungles.

🚛 A well-organised supply chain moved narcotics across state borders.

Then, everything changed.

A young 2023-batch IPS officer, Rakesh Kumar Sahoo, took charge as SDPO, R. Udayagiri—and launched an aggressive crackdown.

The impact was massive. 👇

✅ 21 tonnes of ganja seized

💰 Drugs worth nearly ₹20 crore recovered

📑 22 NDPS cases registered

👮 14 arrests, including 2 elected representatives

But these seizures didn't happen overnight.

💬 "We generally rely on two forms of intelligence: tech intelligence and human intelligence. Both are very crucial,"says IPS Rakesh Sahoo.

Using satellite imagery, local intelligence, and on-ground surveillance, police teams trekked through dense forests, climbed steep hills, and uncovered hidden stockpiles.

🌿 Nearly 700 bags of ganja were recovered.

🚔 Smuggling corridors through NH-326A and NH-16 leading towards Andhra Pradesh were mapped, and transport vehicles were seized.

The crackdown became so relentless that traffickers reportedly started burning their own stock to avoid police action.

The raids weren't easy.

⚠️ Police teams faced resistance and attacks.

But Rakesh Kumar Sahoo chose to lead every operation from the front, boosting the morale and confidence of his force.

🏅 His exceptional leadership earned him the DGP Disc—reportedly the first SDPO in Odisha Police history to receive the honour, traditionally reserved for senior officers.

And the mission doesn't end with arrests.

🌱 Authorities are now helping tribal families shift from illegal cannabis cultivation to sustainable crops like cashew, mango, litchi, and jackfruit.

Because the real success isn't just destroying a drug network...

It's replacing an illegal economy with a lawful livelihood.

👏 A powerful example of courageous leadership, smart policing, and lasting change.

#OdishaPolice #IPSOfficer #RakeshKumarSahoo #DrugFreeIndia #NDPS #AntiNarcotics #Leadership #SmartPolicing #GoodGovernance #Odisha #IndianMasterminds @odisha_police

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

🚨 Interstate Human Trafficking Racket Busted

Gajapati Police rescued 7 female victims (6 minors) from Hyderabad in an interstate rescue operation . Victims were lured with false job promises, trafficked, confined, and exploited.

✅ 2 accused arrested and sent for 14 days JC

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

🚨 Anti-Narcotics Raid by Adava PS 🚨

Under the leadership of SDPO R. Udayagiri, Adava Police conducted a raid in the forest areas of Gobel Village and seized 300 Kg of contraband ganja.

📖 Case No. 148/2026
⚖️ Sec. 20(b)(ii)(C) NDPS Act

Investigation is underway.

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

Adava Police busted an illegal cattle trafficking network🚨

✅ 10 cattle rescued
✅ ₹1.70 lakh cash seized
✅ 2 Bolero Pick-ups & 1 Kia vehicle seized
✅ 3 mobile phones seized
✅ 3 accused arrested

Charges : Sec 111, BNS and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act

[Rakesh Kumar Sahoo @rakesh_ips_OD]

From Hidden Forest Dumps to Powerful Drug Networks, IPS Rakesh Sahoo’s Fight Against Odisha’s Illegal Cannabis Trade https://t.co/CSEOYhHW4q

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

Humanity Above All.

Acting on information received from family members, Gajapati Police coordinated with Tirupati Police and facilitated the rescue of two residents of R. Udayagiri who were allegedly held in bonded labour conditions, denied wages, and illegally confined.

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

📱R. Udayagiri Police successfully recovered 24 lost mobile handsets belonging to citizens of the PS area

Today, 08 recovered phones were handed over to their rightful owners after verification. Remaining handsets will be returned through due process

Committed to public service

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

🚨 Action Against Illegal Sand Transportation

During patrolling & MV checking at Bebri Chhaka under Adava PS on 13.06.2026, police intercepted 5 tractors carrying sand illegally extracted from Harabhangi River.

5 Cases registered U/S 303(2), 112(1) BNS r/w Rule 51 OMMCR Rules

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

🌱 At R. Udayagiri Block, Police Department and Agriculture Department jointly conducted an awareness programme for local farmers, encouraging them to shift from illegal ganja cultivation to profitable horticulture and other cash crops.

Farmers were informed about legal rights

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

🚨 Adava Police bust alleged illegal money lending & gambling finance network.

Seized:
🔹137 Motorcycles
🔹₹3.61 Lakh Cash
🔹127 Mobile Phones
🔹RCs, Smart Cards, Keys & Documents.

Accused arrested in Adava PS Case No.124/2026. Investigation continues.

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

Another conviction secured by Gajapati Police within 200 days of FIR registration.

In Paralakhemundi PS Case No. 368/25, the accused was convicted under Sections 331(2) BNS r/w 305 BNS and sentenced to 3 years RI with a fine of ₹1,000.

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

🚴‍♂️ Embracing the spirit of the Fit India Campaign's Sunday on Cycle, Gajapati Police pedaled together to promote fitness, healthy living and environmental sustainability.

A fit police force contributes to a safer and healthier society. 💪🌱

#SundayOnCycle #FitIndia

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

🚨 Major Anti-Narcotics Success 🚨

Mohana Police thwarted an interstate narcotics trafficking attempt to Jharkhand, seizing 44 kg of contraband ganja and a Maruti Suzuki Swift. One accused has been arrested and booked under the NDPS Act.

[Rakesh Kumar Sahoo @rakesh_ips_OD]

@spgajapati @igpsr @DGPOdisha @odisha_police @homeodisha @IPR_Odisha @CMO_Odisha @OdishapoliceStf 👏👏👏

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

🚨 Major Breakthrough Against Drug Trafficking 🚨

Adava Police Station has successfully busted an inter-state drug syndicate operating on the highway and foiled a major narcotics trafficking attempt destined for Uttar Pradesh.

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

A new beginning for Gajapati district. We are pleased to announce that Sri Prahalad Sahai Meena, IPS has joined as Superintendent of Police, Gajapati today. Your safety remains our priority.
(Gajapati Police)

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

Major Success by R. Udayagiri PS.
Crackdown Against Illegal ID Liquor.
Raid was conducted at Village - Tumana, GP- Puturupada, Dist-Gajapati.
Incriminating articles were seized.
Registered R. Udayagiri PS Case No : 98/2026

[SP Gajapati @spgajapati]

#NashaMuktaOdisha