Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Reviews Law And Order, Asks Police To Crack Down On Organised Crime

Bhubaneswar: Amid growing concern over a spate of violent crimes, including recent incidents of mob lynching and murders in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday directed the state police to intensify action against organised crime and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on the law and order situation at the Chief Minister’s Office here, Mr Majhi asked senior police and administrative officials to adopt a proactive approach to crime prevention and ensure visible policing across the state. District collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from different districts participated in the review meeting.

The Chief Minister stressed that the police should create “fear among criminals” while simultaneously building a “friend-like” image among the public to gain their trust and cooperation.

“State police should take steps that earn the trust of common people and create fear among criminals,” Mr Majhi said, while emphasising the need for close coordination between district administration and police authorities.

He said better synergy between administrative officers and police officials would significantly improve crime control and help ensure faster response to law and order challenges.

The Chief Minister directed police officials to focus on crime mapping, intelligence gathering, preventive action and intensive patrolling, particularly in vulnerable areas. He also stressed the importance of public engagement, saying stronger relations with local communities would help police gather timely information and prevent crimes before they occur.

Calling for stronger enforcement against organised crime, Mr Majhi instructed police to take strict and lawful action against criminal networks, including sand mafias operating in various parts of the state.

“Just as Naxal-related violence has been curbed in Odisha, organised criminal activities must also be completely controlled,” he said.

The Chief Minister further directed district collectors and SPs to regularly review the law and order situation and submit reports to the Director General of Police (DGP), Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Chief Secretary. The Chief Secretary has also been asked to keep the Chief Minister informed about developments in districts on a regular basis.

Mr Majhi noted that improved police investigations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita had contributed to a rise in conviction rates. While praising the police for their success in containing Left-wing extremism, he urged officials to adopt innovative policing methods to deal with emerging criminal challenges.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma, DGP Y.B. Khurania, Chief Minister’s advisor Prakash Mishra and senior police and administrative officials attended the meeting.