Bhubaneswar: The overall law and order situation and crime rate in Odisha was by and large peaceful and under control, said Director General (DG) of Police Abhay.
While speaking at the inaugural function of 62nd Senior Police Officers' Conference on Sunday, Abhay said that despite the unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the State police personnel discharged their duties with compassion and empathy.
"The overall law and order situation remained peaceful. The Covid-19 had impacted people of all the segments in the State. The Odisha Police personnel handled the situation with compassion and empathy. They created a new image for themselves by devoting themselves to the service of Odisha during the worst situations," said Abhay.
Abhay informed that 47 police personnel laid down their lives in the line of duty and over 900 personnel donated plasma for treatment of COVID patients.
Speaking on the Left Wing Extremism situation, the Odisha DGP said," There has been a significant decline in the Leftwing extremist violence and resultant deaths in the State. In 2020, 17 hardcore Maoists were neutralized, 32 arrested while 21 Naxals surrendered before the police. We have written to the Centre to keep five districts- Angul, Boudh, Deogarh Nayagarh and Sambalpur from out of SRE."
Abhay informed that Odisha Police has increased its presence in the Swabhiman Anchal with new bases in several parts of the region. The DGP also lauded the outstanding work done by the Superintendent of Police of various districts including Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, DIG SIW, and Intelligence in containing Left-wing Extremism in the State.
However, as the Left-wing extremism is dynamic in nature and keeps changing, the DGP urged the police forces to continue with their ongoing operations and be prepared to tackle any situation.
"The Odisha Police has also done a remarkable job in launching crackdown on the illegal narcotics trade with record seizure of Ganja and Brown Sugar. The drive against extortion is also underway and the efforts have already started showing positive results," Abhay added.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)