Odisha CM directs police to wipe out organised crime, calls for tough action against sand mafia

Bhubaneswar, May 14 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday directed the state police to completely eradicate organised crime and take stringent action against criminal networks, including sand mafia across the state.

Reviewing the overall law and order situation with senior administrative officials, top police officers, District Collectors, and Superintendents of Police (SPs), Majhi said that just as Naxal-related activities have been effectively controlled in Odisha, organised criminal networks must also be firmly dismantled.

The Chief Minister instructed police to adopt proactive legal measures against criminal elements in every part of the state to minimise crime and strengthen public safety.

He stressed the importance of crime mapping, intelligence gathering, strict patrolling, and swift preventive action as key strategies in combating criminal activities.
Majhi emphasised that while the police must earn the trust and confidence of the people, they should also instil fear among criminals through effective enforcement.

He said policing should be people-friendly while ensuring that lawbreakers face decisive consequences.

Highlighting the need for stronger district-level coordination, the Chief Minister said District Collectors and SPs must function as a unified team to improve crime control.

He noted that close cooperation between police and district administration would significantly enhance law enforcement outcomes.

Majhi also pointed out that local administrative officers can play a vital supporting role in tackling criminal activities.

Drawing parallels with the teamwork required for the successful implementation of development schemes, he said the same collaborative spirit must be applied to maintaining law and order.

Calling for fully proactive policing, the Chief Minister underlined the need for collecting area-specific crime intelligence and conducting systematic crime mapping to identify patterns and respond effectively.

He directed that police patrolling systems across the state be made more stringent and effective, stressing that visible police presence in public spaces is essential.

According to him, extensive patrolling would not only create fear among criminals but also boost public confidence.

Majhi further instructed District Collectors and SPs to conduct regular reviews of law and order in their respective districts and submit reports to the Director General of Police (DGP), the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, and the Chief Secretary.

He also asked the Chief Secretary to keep him regularly informed about the law and order situation across Odisha.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma reviewed district-level law and order with Collectors and SPs and urged them to effectively implement the Chief Minister’s directives.

Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania briefed the Chief Minister on various initiatives currently being undertaken by the police administration.

Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra, along with other senior administrative and police officials, was also present at the review meeting.