An unfortunate incident unfolded in Kendrapara district after the police mistakenly arrested a man identified as Hrushikesh Pradhan from Saranga village on Thursday. While a warrant had been issued in the name of another man (also Hrushikesh Pradhan, son of Madhusudan Pradhan), but due to a clerical error, police apprehended Hrushikesh (son of Prafulla Pradhan). 

He was taken into custody late at night, leaving his family shocked and anxious.

Justice in Motion

Hrushikesh remained detained for 12 hours, unable to even see his loved ones. The wrongful arrest sparked outrage and concern in the village, highlighting the importance of caution in police procedures. Authorities, including the SDPO, have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future. 

“The case is actually against Hrushikesh Pradhan, son of Madhusudan Pradhan. Yet, late at night, the police arrived at my house, knocked on the door, and took me away. Even the IIC came to Kendrapara Sadar Station. They told me that a case had been registered in my name and there was a warrant. Earlier, they had come three to four times, causing trouble and even telling my parents that I had committed theft. I showed them my Aadhaar card and explained the situation. They responded that proper verification would be conducted the next day and that I would be released,” said Hrushikesh, the person mistakenly arrested.

“Last night, a warrant was issued by the Sadar Police Station. At that time, a warrant was out for someone named Hrushikesh Pradhan, whose father’s name is Madhusudan Pradhan, from Saranga village, Sadar Police Station, Kendrapara. He was brought in from that area. However, at that time, he couldn’t provide proper identification; he didn’t show his Aadhaar card. Then, this morning, his family members brought him in and presented his Aadhaar card and voter card, revealing that while everything else matched, the father’s name did not. According to the documents, the father’s name is Prafulla Pradhan. (It was a mistake in the records). Therefore, after verification, he was released,” Jyotiranjan Gaud, SDPO, Kendrapara.

Meanwhile, Hrushikesh was finally released, but the emotional toll on him and his family remains significant.  This case serves as a reminder that, while the law seeks to punish the guilty, no innocent individual should suffer the consequences of human error.