Bhubaneswar, 15 May (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday evening chaired a high-level review meeting on the state’s law and order situation with senior administrative officials, police officers, district collectors, and superintendents of police.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the state police to take firm and proactive measures to completely control organized crime and strengthen public confidence in the police force. He emphasized that the police should create fear among criminals while building a reputation as a trusted friend of the common people.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of coordinated functioning between district administrations and police authorities. He said district-level officers and police officials must work together as a unified team to improve crime prevention and law enforcement outcomes. According to him, stronger coordination between administrative and police machinery would significantly enhance the effectiveness of crime control measures.

Highlighting the need for proactive policing, the Chief Minister instructed police officials to focus on crime mapping, intelligence gathering, and preventive action. He noted that maintaining close and friendly relations with the public would help police receive timely information and enable quicker preventive interventions.

He also directed the police department to intensify patrolling across the state and ensure greater visible police presence in public areas. Increased patrolling, he said, would not only deter criminals but also strengthen the sense of security and confidence among citizens.

The Chief Minister specifically called for the complete eradication of organized criminal networks, including illegal sand mafias. Referring to the state’s success in curbing Maoist activities, he urged the police to adopt a similarly strong approach against organized illegal operations and criminal elements.

Addressing district collectors and SPs, the Chief Minister instructed them to conduct regular district-level reviews of law and order conditions and submit reports to the Director General of Police, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, and the Chief Secretary. He further directed that the Chief Secretary should regularly brief him on the situation across districts.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the achievements of the Odisha Police in several areas, particularly in improving investigation standards and increasing conviction rates under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He also praised the police for their success in tackling Maoist violence. However, he stressed that modern-day policing requires innovative strategies and adaptive approaches to effectively combat evolving criminal activities.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Hemant Sharma discussed the law and order situation with district officials and advised them to implement the Chief Minister’s directives effectively.

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

The meeting was also attended by the Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra along with senior administrative and police officials.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda