Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued a stern warning to criminals, stating that the era of leniency, “affection,” and political protection they enjoyed under the previous government has come to an end.
While replying to the discussion on the expenditure demands of the Home Department in the State Assembly today, the Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the opposition. He remarked, “Earlier, the police were expected to fight criminals with their hands tied behind their backs. I have freed them from those shackles. Today, the police are functioning within the dignity of the law, free from any political pressure.” Praising the force, he added that the Odisha Police has performed commendably over the last 21 months, maintaining the state’s identity as a peaceful region.
Response to ‘Weak CM’ Jibe
Addressing the opposition’s taunt labeling him a “weak Chief Minister,” Shri Majhi hit back by citing past incidents. He remarked that between 2019 and 2024, the state saw who was truly weak. “The Chief Minister was becoming weak while a ‘strong’ Health Minister was rising, only to be murdered. That murder case was never fully unraveled,” he said, referring to the Naba Das case. He also mocked the opposition’s discomfort regarding recent Rajya Sabha election developments, noting that their tactics—including symbolic gestures like wearing blue lungis—yielded no results. “The people of the state will define who is strong and who is weak based on results,” he added.
Focus on Women’s Safety
Responding to the opposition’s allegations regarding violence against women, the CM clarified that his government has a zero-tolerance policy. He presented data to contrast his administration’s performance with the previous 24 years of “so-called good governance.”
- In 2022, the conviction rate for crimes against women was a mere 9.2%.
- In 2023, it dropped further to 6.7%.
- In the first six months of 2025, the conviction rate has jumped to 41%, reaching a record 62% in June.
Majhi claimed this conviction rate is likely among the highest in the country, promising that criminals who target women belong in jail, not in civil society.
Combatting Cybercrime with AI
Identifying cybercrime as a major challenge, the CM emphasized that while technology offers many benefits, it is being misused for financial fraud and sexual harassment. He announced that the government is equipping the police force with modern tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics. He also stressed that public awareness is the strongest weapon against cyber threats.
Police Reforms and Infrastructure
The Chief Minister highlighted several steps taken to strengthen the law-and-order machinery:
- Job Creation: 17,794 posts across various categories have been created.
- New Units: Establishment of 3 OSSF (Odisha Special Security Force) battalions, 3 OISF (Odisha Industrial Security Force) battalions, 10 new ODRAF units, and a dedicated Traffic and Road Safety wing.
- Specialized Stations: 20 new Cyber and Economic Offence police stations and a new police district have been created.
- Investigation Fund: For the first time in the history of Odisha Police, an investigation fund of ₹50 crore has been allocated to help officers cover the costs of criminal investigations.
Public Grievance Redressal
Shri Majhi also spoke about the success of the General Administration and Public Grievance Department. He noted that the CM’s Grievance Cell was reactivated in July 2024, where he personally hears public complaints. To make the government more accessible, grievance hearings are being decentralized; after Sambalpur, similar programs are scheduled for Kalahandi, Balasore, and Angul districts.
