Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday asked district police chiefs to act firmly and without fear while pursuing offenders, as he set out an eight-point mandate at the closing session of the collectors and SPs conference. He said law and order and crime control remain core priorities for the state, and stressed that collectors and SPs must function as a unified team to ensure that development and security progress together.

Majhi called for a sharper focus on improving conviction rates and suggested creating separate investigation and prosecution wings wherever required. He directed SPs to ensure that all complaints are registered at police stations and to take strict action against any official found neglecting this responsibility. He also emphasised the need for dignified treatment of citizens visiting police stations and urged SPs to increase field visits.

The Chief Minister reiterated that both collectors and SPs must maintain zero tolerance towards corruption. He said police leadership should set an example through honesty and called on officers to stay well informed about Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to remain ahead of emerging crime patterns.

Majhi noted that Odisha Police have solved sensitive cases swiftly in recent months and said the government is taking steps to modernise and improve policing. He added that peace and effective governance are essential for the Viksit Odisha vision and for attracting investment, urging district administrations to ensure that infrastructure projects are not disrupted by avoidable issues.

He set a target of making Odisha Naxal-free by 2026 and asked SPs to intensify action against illegal drug networks, land mafia and economic offenders. He further instructed police to strengthen patrolling in accident-prone zones, curb overspeeding and drunken driving, and prevent infiltration along the coastal belt.

Chief secretary Manoj Ahuja and additional chief secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu also addressed the conference.

BI Bureau