BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a detailed 10-point plan on Saturday, directing the Odisha Police to tackle criminal activity and bolster security across the state.
During the state-level conference with the Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Majhi urged senior officials and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to adopt a strict Zero Tolerance stance against crime, particularly those offenses that affect women, while ensuring that the policing approach remains citizen-focused and approachable.
“The police must always exhibit courteous and sensitive behavior towards citizens. Anyone visiting a police station is likely facing some distress and should be treated with understanding and compassion at all times,” he emphasized.
The 10-point directive encompasses goals such as increasing the conviction rate to a minimum of 75%, combating the drug trade by 2029, enhancing coastal security measures, improving cyber security, and closely monitoring the dark web to mitigate illegal online activities. Additionally, it calls for strengthening intelligence operations, modernizing police facilities, taking decisive action against extortion and forced donation collections during festivals, and establishing a dedicated, corruption-free, and community-oriented police system.
Majhi urged senior police leaders and SPs to adopt a more professional and technology-driven approach to investigations. He highlighted the necessity of improving the conviction rate, noting that while recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau shows an increase to over 40% from previous lows, more work is required.
Setting a goal of achieving a conviction rate of at least 75%, Majhi stressed the importance of enhancing investigative practices, implementing modern technology, and strengthening prosecution efforts. Regarding the drug issue, he remarked that the Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan should extend beyond mere seizures and arrests; the police must aim to dismantle the entire supply chain and financial networks involved.
