Maoist related violences decline significantly in Odisha, says DGP

Addressing the four day long 62nd senior police officers conference on its inaugural day Mr Abhay said as many as 17 ultras were neutralised, 34 arrested and 21 surrendered this year.

The DGP said the Centre has been approached to keep five districts —Angul, Boudh, Deogarh, Nayagarh and Sambalpur out of Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme.

He said Odisha Police has increased its presence in the Swabhiman Anchal with new bases being set up in Hantalguda, Jodambo and Gurasetu area of the region.

The DGP also lauded the outstanding work done by the SPs of Malkangiri, Kandhamal and Kalahandi districts as well as the DIG SIW and Intelligence in containing left-wing extremism in Odisha.

He said left-wing extremism is dynamic in nature and keeps changing, and urged the police forces in the districts to continue with their ongoing operations and be prepared to tackle any situation.

He claimed that the overall law and order situation in the state was by and large peaceful and the current crime rate was under control.

COVID has impacted all segments of the society and the Odisha Police has created a new image for itself by discharging their duties with compassion and empathy.

He said as many as 47 police personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty and over 900 police personnel have donated plasma voluntarily for the treatment of COVID patients.

Abhay said women and children victims of crime must receive attention on a priority basis at all levels.

The professional investigation of all crimes remains a high priority. Large numbers of investigations have failed the trial test.

Acquittals as a proportion of total decided cases is high, the DGP said, adding that the police must improve their investigation as well as the follow up during trial.

He said police are accountable to the law of the land for all its actions and it is the duty of all police leaders to enforce this accountability.

The police, Abhay said, have to respond with speed which matches the speed with which information or allegation, fact or rumour travel on social media now.

He suggested the incorporation of the golden hour concept to counter rising incidents of cyber crimes and wanted to integrate new technology to improve the process.

Stating that the women are a substantial part of the police work force, the DGP said, "Our work places and work environment must adjust to this reality by creating necessary physical infrastructure and improving our processes and SOPs so as to make Odisha Police more welcoming.’’