Bhubaneswar: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania on Friday clarified that the state police neither intend to initiate nor support encounters, stating that such actions are not provided for under the law.
His remarks come amid reports of multiple encounters across the state in recent days.
Police Act Only in Self-Defence, Says DGP
DGP Khurania emphasized that police action involving firing occurs only in self-defence when a suspect initiates gunfire.
“There is no provision for encounters in law and we do not encourage such actions. Police are compelled to retaliate only when fired upon,” he said.
He further warned that strict action against criminals will continue across Odisha in the coming days.
List of Habitual Offenders Under Surveillance
The DGP said that a list of habitual offenders has been prepared at the police station level, and these individuals are under continuous surveillance.
He added that enforcement action against such offenders will be intensified to curb organized and repeat criminal activity in the state.
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Large-Scale Statewide Enforcement Drive
Odisha Police launched a special statewide enforcement drive on May 12 targeting traffic violators, absconding criminals, and habitual offenders.
During the campaign, police collected ₹6.46 crore in fines for road safety violations. The western range recorded the highest collection at ₹1.78 crore, followed by the central range at ₹1.41 crore.
Arrests, Warrants and Legal Action Intensified
As part of the drive, police:
- Executed 5,703 non-bailable warrants
- Arrested 520 absconding criminals
- Took action against 957 habitual offenders under Section 129 of BNSS
- Booked 2,620 individuals under Section 126 of BNSS
These measures are aimed at strengthening law enforcement and improving public safety.
Arms, Drugs and Mining Crackdown
Odisha Police also intensified action against illegal arms, narcotics, and mining activities:
- 31 Arms Act cases registered
- 35 criminals arrested
- 39 firearms and 29 live rounds seized
In anti-drug operations:
- 97 NDPS cases registered
- 137 drug peddlers arrested
- Seizure of 7,398 kg ganja, 586 gm brown sugar, and 220 gm heroin
Additionally, police acted against illegal mining by registering 654 cases, arresting 162 offenders, and seizing 878 vehicles including trucks, tractors, tippers, and earthmovers.
Crackdown on Drunk Driving and Road Safety Violations
Police also initiated action against 3,293 drunk-driving cases, seizing vehicles involved in intoxicated driving.
Officials said these coordinated enforcement actions are part of a broader strategy to improve law and order and enhance road safety across Odisha.
About Odisha Police Enforcement Drive
Odisha Police have launched a comprehensive enforcement campaign targeting crime, narcotics, illegal mining, and traffic violations, aiming to strengthen public safety and maintain law and order across the state.
