Odisha DGP directs police to expedite probe into crimes against women

Bhubaneswar, Sept 10 (UNI) Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania has directed police officers across the state to expedite investigations into crimes against women by using modern scientific techniques and equipment, and to ensure timely submission of chargesheets.
Speaking at a workshop on women and child safety organized by the Crime Prevention Department, Khurania emphasized that Odisha Police is committed to making the state a model for women’s safety. He urged officers to work collectively to build a safe Odisha.

The DGP instructed senior officers to effectively manage and supervise the Women and Children Desks functioning in 537 police stations.
Expressing concern over incidents of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, street harassment, and cybercrime, he said ensuring the safety of women and girls must remain the police’s primary responsibility.

Khurania urged all levels of officers from investigating officers to supervising officers and district SPs to remain vigilant.
He noted that incidents like gangrapes in different districts have undermined women’s morale and directed police to fast-track such cases to ensure swift justice.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Odisha’s conviction rate in such cases stands at just 9.1 per cent.
The DGP said this figure was unsatisfactory and called for improvement through dynamic investigation, professional training, and compassionate handling of victims.
He highlighted that provisions such as time-bound investigation, null FIRs, and e-FIRs under the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act should be effectively utilized to deliver quick justice.
To curb trafficking of women and children, the Crime Against Women and Children Wing has set up 37 Anti-Human Trafficking Units across the state.
Khurania also ordered increased cyber patrolling and proactive social media monitoring to prevent circulation of sensitive photos and videos of women and children.
On the occasion, certificates were presented to SPs, investigating officers, supervising officers, and government prosecutors from 13 districts for securing convictions in rape cases, particularly those involving minors.
Khurania said these examples reflect Odisha Police’s commitment to justice, citing convictions where accused were sentenced to 20 years or more in a matter of weeks.
In Jharsuguda district, an accused was sentenced to 25 years in just 55 days while in Balasore’s Remuna police station case, the accused was convicted for 20 years within 67 days.
In another Balasore case under Singla police station, the accused received 25 years’ imprisonment within 104 days.
Out of the 13 notable convictions, three cases were from Balasore, two each from Jajpur, Kendrapara, and Berhampur, and one each from Jharsuguda, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur, and Ganjam.
The DGP reaffirmed that he is personally monitoring cases of crimes against women and children and directed SPs, Range IGs, and DIGs to ensure scientific investigation and timely charge sheet submission.
He maintained that Odisha Police has achieved “remarkable success” in these cases due to professional investigation, victim support, and strong witness testimony.