Spurt in crime: Is law and order deteriorating in Bhubaneswar?

With a spurt in criminal activities like snatching, burgling and murders in the last few weeks, the law and order situation seems to have deteriorated in the Twin City, especially in Bhubaneswar.  

Though the Commissionerate Police has become more active, many criminals are still absconding. 

Expressing grave concerns over the rising cases of crime, former police officer Sarat Sahu said, “If we look at the law and order situation in Odisha, particularly Bhubaneswar, it has alarmingly deteriorated. People were hopeful that the situation would gradually improve but all their hopes vanished like thin air. Law and order instead of improving is deteriorating day and day.”

Some outside gangs, who are reportedly operating in the city, are partially held responsible for the deterioration of law and order. Now police are keeping track of 160 criminals who have been released from jails.

 
DCP Prateek Singh has indirectly admitted that some gangs from outside strayed into the city during the puja time. “In a special drive, we had tracked the criminals and arrested many of them. Almost all local criminals have been put behind bars. Whatever crime is happening in the city is because of some gangs that have come from outside,” he added.

Though checking and blocking are being carried out in the city, the criminals and crime are yet to be brought under control. And, it seems like, the criminals have thrown challenges to the police. 

On the other hand, rising crimes have left the city dwellers panicked. 

Sushant Palei, president of Gothapatna Bazar Committee, expressed concerns and unhappiness over the spurt in crimes. Palei has a valid reason to worry as a woman trader identified as Sashsmita Behera was murdered on November 6. Surprisingly, the police are still clueless about the killer.  

Also read: Dacoits lock up Bhubaneswar couple in bathroom, flee with cash and gold

He added that people are not opening shops in the bazaar out of fear of criminals, particularly after the murder, and as the killer has not been arrested as yet.

As per reports, in the last one month, the city has reported 31 cases of burgling in 12 apartments, apart from three murders. The latest case is an armed robbery that took place in Nandankanan area recently.