Cuttack’s Manguli Chhack to Athagarh’s Khuntuni on NH 55, a hotbed of smuggling and mafia activity! watch
The smuggling operations involve adulterating coal, cement, iron rods, petroleum products, food items, and other commodities, yielding substantial profits for the culprits.
Athagarh: The stretch of National Highway No. 55 from Manguli Chhack in Cuttack to Khuntuni in Athagarh has become a hotbed of mafia activity. Criminal operations are rampant, thriving behind the façade of breakfast shops, hotels, dhabas, and other eateries. Nighttime sees a surge in illicit activities, with small and large vehicles parked on the road, adding to the chaos.
This national highway, connecting Cuttack district to Sambalpur, is lined with numerous shops and hotels, many of which have encroached upon government land. However, the true nature of these establishments is often shrouded in illegality, with black marketing and smuggling being more prevalent than legitimate business.
The smuggling operations involve adulterating coal, cement, iron rods, petroleum products, food items, and other commodities, yielding substantial profits for the culprits. Despite the deployment of highway police to maintain security and curb criminal activity, questions persist about their effectiveness.
Notably, three major police stations are situated along this stretch, yet smuggling continues unabated, fueling speculation about police complicity.
The intelligentsia is abuzz with discussions about the alleged nexus between law enforcement and criminals, raising concerns about the efficacy of governance.
Watch the video here:
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