TV
Criminals across the state are feeling the heat as the Odisha Police’s intensive crackdown under ‘Operation Garuda’ has sent shockwaves among the gangsters. After 16 days of sustained raids, searches, and seizures, the operation has yielded significant results.
According to reports, during the statewide drive, police registered 1,806 excise cases, seized 63 firearms, 95 rounds of ammunition, and recovered Rs 1.45 lakh in cash along with weapons.
In NDPS-related cases, as much as 3,030 kg of ganja and 664 grams of brown sugar were confiscated. Additionally, police cracked down on gambling, registering 70 cases and seizing Rs 6.28 lakh in cash, three cars, 52 motorcycles, and 47 mobile phones, while arresting 406 individuals.
The operation also targeted drunk driving. As many as 163 cases were filed and an equal number of violators were arrested under the drive.
Ganjam police district emerged at the forefront of enforcement, executing 383 non-bailable warrants (NBWs). Notably, police in the district also seized 11 firearms along with ammunition.
Officials said the operation has created widespread fear among offenders, with law enforcement determined to continue the crackdown in the coming days.
“We launched Operation Garuda on August 1. The main objective of the drive was to execute several pending NBWs so that criminals involved in various cases could be nabbed. Besides, it also aimed at cracking down on illegal excise cases, weapon smuggling, gambling, and drunk-driving cases. Initially, we planned the operation for a week, but later extended it for another week. This has yielded satisfactory results,” said Sanjay Kumar, ADG (Law and Order).
“A total of 3,643 NBWs were executed in the last 15 days. Around 1,806 excise cases were registered and over 47,000 litres of liquor were seized. As many as 63 pistols were also recovered during the drive,” the senior IPS officer added.
