BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has laid out a 10-point roadmap for the state police, calling for smarter and technology-driven policing, stronger investigations, higher conviction rates and a zero-tolerance approach towards crime, corruption and extortion.
Addressing the state-level DGP and IGP conference at the Odisha Police Bhawan on Saturday, Majhi reviewed the state’s law-and-order situation, internal security, cybercrime preparedness and the future policing framework.
The Chief Minister assured the police department of the government’s support in terms of resources, funding and administrative assistance to implement the proposed reforms effectively.
CM Sets 75% Conviction Target in Crimes Against Women
One of the key directives issued by Majhi was to significantly improve the conviction rate in crimes against women.
The Chief Minister directed senior police officers to work towards achieving a minimum 75 per cent conviction ratein such cases. He noted that the conviction rate has crossed 40 per cent, according to NCRB data, but stressed the need for further improvement.
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Majhi called for professional and technology-driven investigations so that cases are properly investigated, evidence is effectively presented and prosecutions are strengthened.
The focus, he said, should be on improving the overall quality of investigations rather than merely increasing the number of cases registered or arrests made.
‘Criminals Should Fear Police, Innocent Citizens Should Not’
Majhi called for a zero-tolerance approach towards crime while simultaneously emphasising the need for citizen-friendly policing.
He said people approaching police stations with complaints must be treated with sensitivity, dignity and empathy.
The Chief Minister stressed that every complainant visiting a police station should be treated as a victim and should receive appropriate assistance from the police.
His message was clear: criminals should fear the police, while innocent citizens should not.
He also called for stronger police-public relations and directed the force to build greater public confidence in policing institutions.
Focus on Intelligence, Modern Police Stations
Strengthening intelligence networks is another major component of the government’s policing roadmap.
Majhi directed the police to make greater use of technology and intelligence platforms, including NATGRID and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS).
The government has also provided a ₹50-crore special investigation fund, along with necessary equipment, to strengthen investigations and modernise police stations.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need to equip the police with modern technology and infrastructure to deal with increasingly sophisticated forms of crime.
Odisha Targets Drug-Free State by 2029
Drug trafficking was another major area of concern discussed at the conference.
The Odisha government has set a target of making the state completely drug-free by 2029.
Majhi directed the police to move beyond seizures and arrests and focus on dismantling the wider networks behind the illegal drug trade.
This includes identifying and breaking the supply chains, financial syndicates and organised networks that facilitate drug trafficking.
The Chief Minister stressed that sustained action against the financial and logistical infrastructure supporting the drug trade would be essential to achieve the 2029 target.
Coastal Security Strengthened Along 575-Km Coastline
With Odisha having a 575-km coastline, coastal security also received significant attention during the conference.
Majhi reviewed several measures being undertaken to strengthen surveillance and security along the state’s coastline.
These include the use of the Command and Control Centre in Bhubaneswar, deployment of drones, procurement of trawlers and modern interceptor boats, and beach patrolling through All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
The state has also deployed Special Police Officers and ex-servicemen to strengthen maritime security.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of maintaining constant vigilance along the coastline and improving the state’s ability to respond quickly to security threats.
Cybercrime and Dark Web Under Focus
Majhi also called for stronger measures to counter the growing threat of cybercrime.
He directed the police to expand public awareness campaigns, strengthen digital surveillance and enhance monitoring of activities on the dark web.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need for the police force to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and increasingly sophisticated methods used by cybercriminals.
Technology-driven policing, he said, must become an integral part of the state’s broader strategy to prevent and investigate crime.
Strict Action Against Extortion Ahead of Festive Season
With the festive season approaching, Majhi directed the police to take strict action against illegal extortion and forced collection of donations.
He called for effective monitoring of such activities and firm action against those involved in coercive collection of money.
The Chief Minister reiterated the need for a dedicated and corruption-free police force committed to protecting citizens and maintaining public order.
Chief Secretary Praises Odisha Police
Chief Secretary Anu Garg praised the Odisha Police for its service and congratulated the force on receiving the President’s Colour Award.
DGP in-charge Binaytosh Mishra assured the government that the police force would strengthen its cyber security mechanisms, intensify anti-drug operations and increase patrolling in sensitive areas.
The conference brought together senior police leadership to review the state’s policing priorities and align the force with the government’s broader objective of creating a modern, technology-enabled and citizen-centric policing system.
Odisha Police’s 10-Point Roadmap
The key areas highlighted by Chief Minister Majhi include:
- Zero tolerance towards crime and corruption
- Higher conviction rates, particularly in crimes against women
- Professional and technology-driven investigations
- Stronger intelligence networks through NATGRID and CCTNS
- Modernisation of police stations and investigation infrastructure
- Making Odisha drug-free by 2029
- Strengthening coastal security along the 575-km coastline
- Greater focus on cybercrime and dark-web monitoring
- Improved police-public relations and citizen-friendly policing
- Strict action against extortion and forced collection of donations
The roadmap signals a greater emphasis on technology, intelligence-led policing and investigation quality, while placing citizen experience and accountability at the centre of Odisha’s policing strategy.
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