Bhubaneswar: Odisha reported 54 communal riots and seven mob lynching incidents between June 2024 and February 2026, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the state Assembly on Monday.
The written reply to a query by BJD legislator Goutam Buddha Das covers the tenure of the BJP-led government, which took office on June 12, 2024.
According to the CM, the communal riots were reported in five districts – Balasore (24), Khurda (16), Koraput (8), Malkangiri (4), and Bhadrak (2). A total of 298 people were arrested in connection with these riots. Balasore saw 95 arrests, Khurda 120, Koraput 33 (with notices issued to others), Malkangiri 26, and Bhadrak 24, he said.
Similarly, 61 people were arrested for the seven mob lynching in four districts – Rayagada (3 cases, 48 arrests), Dhenkanal (2 cases, no arrests reported), Deogarh (1 case, 6 arrests), and Balasore (1 case, 7 arrests).
Majhi also mentioned that measures are being taken by the government to curb such violence, including the formation of peace committees at various police stations amid efforts by local administrations to promote communal harmony. Authorities are gathering intelligence on individuals attempting to disrupt peace and strict action is being taken against the offenders.
The Chief Minister further highlighted specific actions against mob lynching linked to witchcraft suspicions, alongside awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents.
