Keonjhar, June 2: A jail warden of the Keonjhar district Jail has been arrested after allegedly being found in possession of cannabis, sparking concerns over security arrangements and the possible circulation of narcotics inside the correctional facility.

The accused, identified as Alok Dhada, was serving as a warden at the district prison. According to official sources, a quantity of cannabis was allegedly recovered from his bag during a routine inspection conducted while he was on night duty on May 22. The contraband was reportedly discovered when jail authorities checked his belongings within the prison premises.

Although the recovery was made on May 22, a formal complaint was lodged several days later. District Jail Superintendent Upendra Jena subsequently filed a written complaint at the Town Police Station, prompting the police to initiate legal proceedings.

Based on the complaint, police arrested the warden on Sunday night and produced him before a local court on Monday. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the investigation or how the alleged contraband entered the jail premises.

The incident has triggered widespread concern in Keonjhar, with residents and legal experts questioning the effectiveness of security measures and monitoring systems within the prison. The arrest of a jail staff member has also raised concerns about the possibility of narcotics being smuggled into correctional institutions.

When contacted by media representatives, Jail Superintendent Upendra Jena did not immediately issue an official statement regarding the case.

Meanwhile, senior advocate Rabindra Kumar Sethi has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He alleged that narcotic substances have entered prisons on several occasions and called for a detailed inquiry into the functioning of the jail administration. He also sought scrutiny of the assets of officials concerned. However, these allegations remain unverified, and no evidence has been publicly presented to support the claims.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the source of the cannabis, whether additional individuals were involved, and if any prison regulations or criminal laws were violated.