Bhubaneswar, 12 September (H.S.): Odisha’s overall crime rate has not increased over the past two years despite a rise in the number of cases registered under certain categories, DGP-in-charge Vinaytosh Mishra said on Saturday, attributing the increase largely to intensified police enforcement and special drives against illegal activities.

Speaking to reporters in Baleshwar, Mishra said the state’s law-and-order situation should not be assessed solely on the basis of the number of cases registered. He said the police had stepped up action against various offences and illegal activities, resulting in more cases being detected and registered.

“People should not feel unsafe while stepping out, thinking that their sisters or mothers may not return safely. The situation should not be judged only by the number of crimes. I have examined the data for the last two years and, even according to the figures, the crime rate has not increased,” he said.

Mishra said the rise in registered cases in some categories was primarily the result of stronger enforcement rather than a deterioration in the overall law-and-order situation.

He highlighted the intensified campaign against drunk driving over the past two years, saying it had helped curb road accidents and fatalities. According to Mishra, fatalities had been on the rise earlier but have now stabilised following sustained enforcement against drunk driving.

The DGP-in-charge also cited the police’s ‘Nasha Mukt’ campaign as another factor behind the increase in cases detected under certain categories. He said intensified enforcement during the campaign had led to a rise in the detection of such cases, with increases of around 20%, 22% and 25% recorded in different years.

Mishra also pointed to intensified action against illegal sand mining, which, he said, had contributed significantly to the rise in registered cases. Around 700 cases related to illegal sand mining have been registered in Baleshwar district over the past two years, he said.

“If we do not take action in such cases, the number of crimes will naturally appear lower. Our focus is on taking action against illegal activities,” Mishra said.

He further said the police had stepped up enforcement under the Arms Act, with 54 cases registered in the state this year.

“Our campaign is ongoing, and we will continue to take action against illegal activities,” Mishra said.

The DGP-in-charge reiterated that the police would continue to focus on strict enforcement against illegal activities while strengthening public safety and maintaining law and order across Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda