Malkangiri: District police on Sunday removed Prasant Swain, who is the officer in-charge of the Maoist-hit Papermetla police station situated in the cut-off area across the Balimela reservoir, allegedly for indulging in corruption.

"The officer was accused of corrupt practices and misbehaving with local villagers. A departmental inquiry was conducted and based on its preliminary report he has been removed from the post," said Malkangiri superintendent of police Jagmohan Meena.

"The complete inquiry report is awaited and once the probe is completed necessary action will be taken," Meena said.

On Friday, villagers of the cut-off area had gheraoed the Papermetla police station alleging that the officer didn't take action against ganja traders. They accused the officer of taking hefty cuts from the traders and terrorising the villagers, who lodged complaints at the police station.

"We are happy that the officer has been transferred," said a Papermetla resident.