Odisha CM Orders Crackdown On Organised Crime, Sand Mafia

Bhubaneswar, May 14: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday directed the state police to completely eliminate organised crime networks and take strict action against illegal operations, including the sand mafia, across the state.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on the overall law and order situation, the Chief Minister asked police officials to adopt a proactive approach to crime control and strengthen public safety measures throughout Odisha.

The meeting was attended by 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 the state, organised criminal networks must also be dismantled with firm action.

He instructed police to intensify intelligence gathering, conduct systematic crime mapping, strengthen patrolling systems, and take swift preventive measures against criminal activities. According to the Chief Minister, visible police presence in public areas is necessary both to instill confidence among citizens and create fear among criminals.

Majhi emphasized that policing should remain people-friendly while ensuring strict enforcement against lawbreakers. He said the police must win the trust of the public and simultaneously maintain a strong deterrent against criminal elements.

Highlighting the importance of district-level coordination, the Chief Minister directed District Collectors and SPs to function as a unified team for effective law enforcement. He noted that better coordination between district administration and police would significantly improve crime control efforts.

The Chief Minister also stressed the role of local administrative officers in supporting anti-crime measures. Drawing comparisons with teamwork required for successful implementation of development programmes, he said the same collaborative spirit should be applied in maintaining law and order.

Majhi further directed officials to conduct regular district-level law and order reviews 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 informed regularly about the overall law and order situation in Odisha.

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

Director General of Police Y. B. Khurania briefed the Chief Minister on several initiatives being undertaken by the police administration. Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.