Bhubaneswar: A total of 54 communal riot incidents and seven mob lynching cases have been reported in Odisha between June 2024 and February 2026, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Assembly on Monday.
Responding to a written question from BJD legislator Goutam Buddha Das, the Chief Minister placed district-wise details of the cases registered at different police stations during the 20-month period. The BJP government assumed office in the state on June 12, 2024.
According to the statement, 54 communal riot incidents were recorded in five districts — Bhadrak, Malkangiri, Balasore, Koraput and Khurda — while seven mob lynching cases were reported in Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Balasore and Rayagada districts.
The Chief Minister said 298 people were arrested in connection with the communal riot incidents, while 61 persons were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in mob lynching cases during the period.
Among the districts, Balasore reported the highest number of communal disturbances, with 24 riot incidents, leading to the arrest of 95 persons.
In Khurda district, police registered 16 riot cases and arrested 120 individuals.
In Koraput, eight riot incidents were reported, with 33 persons arrested and notices issued to others linked to the cases. Malkangiri recorded four riot cases, in which 26 people were arrested, while two incidents in Bhadrak led to the arrest of 24 individuals, the Chief Minister said.
Regarding mob lynching cases, Rayagada district accounted for three incidents, with 48 arrests. Two cases were reported in Dhenkanal, though no arrests have been made so far. One case each was registered in Deogarh, where six persons were arrested, and Balasore, where seven people were taken into custody.
The Chief Minister informed the House that the government has initiated several measures to curb such incidents. Peace committees have been formed in various police station areas, and the local administration is working to maintain harmony among different communities.
He added that intelligence gathering has been strengthened to identify individuals attempting to disturb communal peace, and strict legal action is being taken against offenders, including registration of cases and arrests.
Majhi also said authorities are taking legal action against those involved in mob lynching related to witchcraft suspicions, while awareness campaigns are being conducted to prevent such incidents.
