Vehicle Carrying Ganja Set Ablaze in Subarnapur, Driver Flees Scene

Bhubaneswar : A dramatic incident unfolded in Subarnapur district on Saturday morning when a vehicle carrying ganja went up in flames near Binka Nua Bazaar. The Innova, which had no number plate, was gutted within minutes along with the cannabis it carried, after the driver allegedly set it on fire to avoid arrest.

The incident occurred around 6:45 am. Eyewitnesses said the vehicle came to a sudden halt after one of its front tyres burst. The driver, apparently panicked, got out of the car. On the pretext of fixing the tyre, he doused the vehicle with petrol, set it ablaze, and fled. Another Innova, which arrived shortly after, reportedly took him away as the contraband-laden car was engulfed in flames.

Police suspect the driver acted out of fear of being caught, as a massive crackdown on ganja smuggling is currently underway in the region under Operation Prahar. In recent weeks, several trafficking networks have been busted in Subarnapur and neighbouring districts.

Alert locals immediately informed the Fire Services, who rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control. Police have launched an investigation to determine the quantity of ganja destroyed and the identity of the driver. They also confirmed that the vehicle was unregistered, making the probe more complex.

Authorities are treating the incident as a possible attempt by smugglers to destroy evidence. “Further details will emerge once the investigation progresses,” a police official said.