Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the need for police to stay ahead of criminals, who are increasingly using new methods. Majhi made this statement during the 69th Police Duty Meet 2024 in Cuttack on Monday.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of modernizing police forces, introducing reforms in the police system, creating a robust infrastructure for police investigations, and ensuring a well-trained and skilled human resource, according to a release issued by the Chief Minister Office (CMO).
“The government has given top priority to modernizing the police department, and soon, the number of police vehicles will be increased across the state. This will enable more effective patrolling, prompt response to victims, and apprehension of criminals”, said Majhi.
During the event, the Chief Minister also inaugurated new buildings for three police stations in Puri district, namely Astaranga, Balanga, and Delang.
Moreover, the CM announced that around 10,000 vacant positions in the police department will be filled soon. He also stated that 9,000 new bikes will be provided to the police stations across the state with each station receiving six bikes. The state government will spend Rs 35 crore for the purpose.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the growing threat of cybercrime, stating that it’s a major challenge for everyone. He announced that the state government is committed to strengthening and modernizing the cyber cell in the police department.
To tackle cybercrime, the government plans to establish cyber police stations in districts where they don’t currently exist. A state-level cybercrime branch will also be set up in Bhubaneswar, headed by a senior officer. He also announced plans to recruit 5,000 new home guards to support the police force.
“The state government is committed to women’s safety. We believe in a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ towards crimes against women. He acknowledged that Odisha’s conviction rate for crimes against women has been dismal in the past, attributing it to a lack of professional investigation and political interests” maintained Majhi adding that “to address this, the government has decided to establish more women’s courts in the state. Currently, police are being trained to investigate crimes professionally and scientifically, and to file charge sheets in court on time.”
Additionally, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government aims to eliminate Maoist and Naxalite violence from the country by March 2026. He noted that some areas in Odisha are part of this action plan. To tackle this, the police force needs specialized knowledge and modern technical expertise, which they will receive through training.
The Chief Minister directed that planned action be taken against those who try to disrupt society and that strong action be taken against them within the framework of the law. He warned that such miscreants will no longer enjoy the protection they had earlier.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister praised the Odisha Police for their successful operations against organized crime. He advised the Crime Branch to conduct independent operations to tackle night-time crimes.
The Chief Minister cited the recent success of the state police in solving blind cases, including the Bana and Cuttack-Kandarpur murder cases. He emphasized the need for effective policing in all cases, which would help build trust among the general public.
“The government is also committed to strengthening the cyber cell in the police department to tackle rising cybercrime cases. A state-level cybercrime branch will be set up in Bhubaneswar, and more women’s courts will be established in the state”, said Majhi.
The Chief Minister congratulated all the winners who participated in the State Police Duty Meet and expressed hope that they would participate in the All India Police Duty Meet to be held in Ranchi, Jharkhand in January. He wished the selected team members good luck.
In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that the police must uphold their motto of ‘Service and Protection’ in letter and spirit.
The Director General of Police YB Khurania delivered the welcome address, while the Additional Director General of Police, CID, Crime Branch, Vinaytosh Mishra, proposed the vote of thanks and highlighted the activities, achievements, and plans of the police force.
