Bhubaneswar: In a concerted effort to curb criminal activities and maintain law and order across Odisha, the State Police have achieved major successes under Operation ‘Garuda,’ a comprehensive enforcement drive launched on August 1.
Acting on the directives of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, the operation has seen active participation from all district police units and is being conducted under the direct supervision of Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar.
The second phase of the operation, carried out till August 16, has resulted in substantial enforcement outcomes, including the execution of thousands of Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs), the arrest of hundreds of offenders, and the seizure of large quantities of contraband, firearms, and cash.
Key Achievements of Operation ‘Garuda’:
- NBWs Executed: 3,643
- NBWs Otherwise Disposed: 362
- Excise Cases: 1,806 cases registered; seizure of 47,105.56 litres of illicit liquor and Rs 3,400 in cash
- Illegal Arms Seized: 63 firearms, 95 rounds of ammunition, 2 empty magazines; Rs 1,45,500 in cash; 1 car and 3 motorcycles
- NDPS Cases: 57 cases registered; 3,030.35 kg of cannabis, 664 grams of brown sugar seized; 9 cars, 12 motorcycles, Rs 89,520 in cash
- Gambling Cases: 70 cases; Rs 6,28,725 in cash seized along with 3 cars, 52 motorcycles, and 47 mobile phones
- Arrests Made: 406 individuals across various criminal cases
- Drunken Driving: 163 cases; 163 vehicles seized
District-wise Enforcement Highlights:
- Ganjam District led in NBW enforcement, executing 383 warrants. The district police also seized 11 firearms and 55 rounds of ammunition, arresting 30 persons in arms-related cases.
- Sambalpur District recorded significant action in multiple fronts:
- In gambling cases, 10 instances were registered, leading to the seizure of Rs 31,760 in cash, 3 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones, and the arrest of 18 persons.
- Under the NDPS Act, the district police registered 12 cases and seized 50.58 kg of cannabis, 2,599 bottles of cough syrup, 13.1 strips of nitrazepam tablets, 20 pocket injections, 5 motorcycles, and 5 mobile phones, with 24 persons arrested.
- In excise cases, 182 persons were arrested and 1,612 litres of illicit liquor were seized in 182 separate cases.
- In Kandhamal District, police seized over 5 tonnes of explosives and arrested five persons in connection with the case.
Additional DGP Sanjay Kumar stated that Operation ‘Garuda’ is part of a sustained effort by the Odisha Police to address rising crime trends and ensure the safety and security of citizens across the state. He confirmed that the operation would continue in the coming weeks with increased intensity.
“These notable achievements stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication, seamless coordination, and unrelenting zeal exhibited by all districts in ensuring the grand success of Operation Garuda,” the official statement read. “All SsP are hereby directed to sustain such operations with renewed vigor and equal intensity in the days ahead, so as to decisively curb various menaces and antisocial elements, thereby upholding peace, security, and public confidence across the State.”
The Odisha Police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting public welfare through continued, data-driven, and targeted enforcement initiatives.
