Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has expressed grave concern regarding the increase in violent crimes across the state, directing senior police officials to create “fear among criminals and trust among citizens” as part of an initiative to make Odisha crime-free.
During a high-level review meeting on law and order held on Thursday, the Chief Minister issued firm directives for a tougher approach against organized crime, including sand mafias and other illegal syndicates, while ensuring that the police maintain a friendly demeanor toward the public.
This meeting, the second significant review in recent days, follows the recent lynching of a Government Railway Police (GRP) constable on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar and the Kanas gang conflict, which have heightened concerns regarding the rise in violent crimes within the state.
Key Directives:
- Tough Crackdown on Organised Crime: The CM mandated strong actions against sand mafias and other organized crime networks, comparing this effort to the state’s successful campaign against Left Wing Extremism (Naxalism). He stressed the need for ongoing vigilance against Naxal activities.
- Visible Policing and Preventive Measures: Police are instructed to enhance patrolling, ensure a visible presence in communities, strengthen intelligence gathering, and utilize crime-mapping to prevent crimes before they happen. “Police presence should be such that criminals remain under constant pressure while citizens feel secure,” Majhi stated.
- Seamless Police-Administration Coordination: District Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs) are to work together as a cohesive unit at the grassroots level for improved crime management and timely local intelligence.
- Regular Monitoring: Collectors and SPs are required to conduct regular district-level law and order assessments and report findings to the Director General of Police (DGP), Home Department, and Chief Secretary. The state government will keep a continuous watch on the situation.
- Modernisation of Policing: While acknowledging the enhanced conviction rates achieved under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and successes in anti-Naxal operations, the Chief Minister urged for innovative strategies and the use of modern technology to address emerging challenges, including cyber crimes.
