Bhubaneswar: Armed with a non‑bailable warrant (NBW), state crime branch sleuths on Wednesday launched a manhunt, carrying out searches at multiple locations in the twin cities to arrest suspended inspector Sujit Kumar Das, accused in a rape case.Das allegedly sexually assaulted a 40‑year‑old woman while serving as inspector‑in‑charge (IIC) of Sarankul police station in Nayagarh district. Following her complaint, an FIR was registered at the said station on June 17.“We have secured an NBW issued by the Odagaon sub‑divisional judicial magistrate against former IIC Sujit Das. He is absconding at present. Our raids are continuing to trace and apprehend him,” said Sujit Panda, additional superintendent of police of the crime branch’s crime against women and children (CAW&CW) wing.Though Sarankul police initially investigated the case, it was later handed over to CAW&CW to ensure impartiality. Das was suspended on June 22. He had earlier obtained interim protection from arrest from Orissa high court, which was withdrawn recently. “When the HC protection was in force, he appeared before us for questioning on Aug 4. After the protection lapsed a few days ago, he went underground to evade arrest,” another CAW&CW official said.According to the survivor’s complaint, she had approached Sarankul police months ago for assistance in a land dispute. Instead of help, she alleged that Das sexually exploited her. She submitted WhatsApp chats and screenshots of video calls as evidence to support her claim. Das had already denied the allegations. Police sources said Das had earlier arrested the woman in an assault case in May this year and is currently out on bail.