In a case of mistaken identity, Kendrapara police have allegedly taken into custody a man on charge of an offence committed by another.
Gyan Ranjan Das was arrested about a month ago for a theft case from Badamulabasanta village under Pattamundai police jurisdiction mistaking him for the actual accused Manoranjan Das.
The slip-up was detected when Gyan Ranjan moved the court for bail on June 23 and it was found that his name did not figure in the charge-sheet framed by the police.
Case records were being prepared to release him.
Police are now on the lookout for Manoranjan Das, a native of the village, who has been accused of lifting a motor bike with two other accomplices from Pattamundai marketplace and is now absconding.
Kendrapara superintendent of police Sarthak Sarangi said the matter is being investigated and policemen involved in the slip-up would face disciplinary action for dereliction of duty.
