CM hails police drive against mafia

Cuttack: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday appreciated the drive launched recently by Odisha police against anti socials and mafias across the State.

Speaking at the 81st Foundation Day of Odisha Police at the police headquarters here, Patnaik said the drive must continue in the days to come.

“I appreciate the drive of the police against tender mafia, transport mafia, organised crime and criminals. It is necessary to expedite the drive in future,” Patnaik stated.

Besides initiating criminal cases, the State police have succeeded in putting some notorious criminals, including Dhala Samanta brothers and former Congress legislator Ramesh Jena, behind bars in the past couple of months.

The CM urged the officials to render people-friendly services.

“For the last 16 years, my government has been working for a safe and secure society. I emphasize the police should do its duty impartially. I call upon you to discharge your duties without fear or favour,” he continued.

Patnaik welcomed the Maoist supporters’ decision to shun violence and join the social mainstream.

“I am happy to say that it is only for the welfare schemes of the State government that Maoists in large numbers have joined the mainstream,” he stated.

The CM announced an increase in the annual grant of Odisha Police Welfare Fund from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.