Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday directed the state police to intensify crime mapping and strengthen intelligence networks to curb organised crimes. He also asked the police force to instil fear among criminals amid concerns from different quarters about their growing audacity and disregard for law enforcement.Majhi reviewed the state’s law and order situation for the second time in a week, following a surge in crimes, including the gruesome Balianta lynching that sparked widespread outrage. In his last meeting on May 9, Majhi expressed deep anger on the commissionerate police over the alleged police inaction in the lynching incident.“Collecting information about crimes in different areas and conducting crime mapping is essential. Intelligence gathering should also be prioritised. By maintaining friendly relations with the public, the police can receive valuable information that will help them take preventive measures,” the chief minister’s office said in a statement. Senior administrative officials, police officers, district collectors and SPs joined the meeting virtually.The CM instructed strict enforcement of police patrolling, stressing that visible presence of police is crucial. Majhi said that extensive patrolling would not only deter criminals but also build public trust.Majhi directed the police administration to eliminate organised crimes such as extortion rackets and drug smuggling. “Just as the state has successfully curbed Naxal activities, the sand and mining mafia must also be suppressed entirely,” the CMO said.He emphasised proactive legal measures against criminal elements across the state to reduce crime. “Police should become trustworthy in the eyes of the public. They must take measures that build confidence among citizens while instilling fear among criminals,” the statement said.At the district level, Majhi urged administrative and police officers to work as a team, highlighting that coordination between departments would yield greater success in crime control.He advised collectors and SPs to regularly review law and order, submit reports to the DGP, the additional chief secretary (home), and the chief secretary, who in turn should keep the CM updated.The chief minister acknowledged that the state police have achieved notable successes, including improved conviction rates due to better investigation systems. Majhi stressed that in the face of modern challenges, the police must adopt innovative methods for crime control.
