Odisha Police Launches Operation DAMAN Ahead of Festive Season, Cracks Down on Crime Across State
Bhubaneswar: In a major statewide law enforcement initiative ahead of the festive season, Odisha Police has launched Operation DAMAN, a special drive aimed at curbing crime, drug trafficking, illegal liquor trade, extortion, gambling, and other anti-social activities.
The operation was initiated under the direction of Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra.
As part of the intensive crackdown, police registered 89 NDPS cases and arrested 109 accused persons involved in narcotics-related offences.
Authorities seized 8.13 tonnes of ganja, destroyed 19,387 cannabis plants, recovered 394.645 grams of brown sugar, and confiscated 1,066 bottles of banned codeine-based cough syrup.
The operation also targeted the illegal liquor trade. During the drive, police registered 1,707 excise cases and arrested 140 offenders.
Seizures included more than 10,298 litres of illicit country liquor, 2,922 litres of foreign liquor, 1,092 litres of Aska-40, 800 kilograms of fermenting wash (Pocha), and 81 litres of Mahuli liquor.
In a significant push against criminal networks, Odisha Police executed 1,448 non-bailable warrants (NBWs) and initiated preventive action against 1,012 individuals under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The drive further resulted in the registration of 46 gambling cases, leading to 67 arrests, while 16 extortion cases led to the arrest of 12 accused persons.
Police also booked seven organised crime cases and detained 18 habitual offenders.
As part of efforts to strengthen public safety, law enforcement agencies seized illegal arms and ammunition.
Six firearms-related cases were detected, resulting in the recovery of five guns, one revolver, four live rounds, one magazine, two empty cartridges, 2.5 kilograms of gunpowder, and two swords.
To prevent the movement of criminals and contraband across state boundaries, Odisha Police conducted 1,830 border-checking and blocking operations at various inter-district and inter-state checkpoints.
Police officials stated that Operation DAMAN will continue throughout the festive season, focusing on preventive policing and strict action against criminal elements to ensure public safety and law and order across Odisha.
