Bhubaneswar: Expressing serious concern over the surge in violent crimes across the state, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi directed senior police officers to create “fear among criminals and trust among citizens” as part of a renewed push to make Odisha crime-free.
During a high-level law and order review meeting here on Thursday, the Chief Minister issued strict instructions for a tougher stance against organised crime, including sand mafias and other illegal syndicates, while maintaining a people-friendly approach for the general public.
The meeting, the second major review in recent days, comes against the backdrop of the recent lynching of a Government Railway Police (GRP) constable on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar and the Kanas gang war, which have raised serious concerns over rising violent crimes in the state.
Key Directives
Tough Crackdown on Organised Crime: The CM ordered firm action against sand mafias and other organised crime networks, drawing parallels with the state’s successful campaign against Left Wing Extremism (Naxalism). He emphasised sustained vigilance against Naxal activities.
Visible Policing and Preventive Measures: Police have been asked to intensify patrolling, make their presence visibly felt on the ground, strengthen intelligence gathering, and adopt crime-mapping to prevent offences before they occur. “Police presence should be such that criminals remain under constant pressure while citizens feel secure,” Majhi said.
Seamless Police-Administration Coordination: District Collectors and SPs have been directed to function as a unified team at the grassroots level for better crime control and timely local intelligence.
Regular Monitoring: Collectors and SPs must conduct regular district-level law and order reviews and submit reports to the DGP, Home Department, and Chief Secretary. The state government will continuously monitor the situation.
Modernisation of Policing: While appreciating the improved conviction rates achieved under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and successes in anti-Naxal operations, the Chief Minister called for innovative strategies and the adoption of modern technology to tackle emerging challenges, including cyber crimes.
