Odisha Police given free hand to act, political protection for criminals ended: CM Majhi

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday declared that political protection for criminals no longer exists in Odisha, asserting that the police have been given a ‘free licence’ to act tough against offenders, irrespective of their influence or affiliation.

The Chief Minister made the statement while presenting his remarks during the discussion on the Home Department’s demand for grants in the State Assembly. He alleged that law and order had remained out of control in the last 5–10 years, and accused the previous government of shielding criminals.

According to the CM, the state topped the national chart in crimes against women during previous years, and police stations were ‘virtually functioning as party offices’ of a political party. He further alleged that a conspiracy to murder a powerful minister was hatched inside a police station.

Targeting the former regime, he said that criminals enjoyed protection then, which emboldened them and worsened the crime situation. “Now, no matter how influential a person is, jail will be their destination if they break the law,” the Chief Minister asserted.

Claiming improvement in the current dispensation, he said that the law and order situation has stabilised under the present government. Highlighting reforms, he pointed out that a by-election was successfully conducted in Naxal-affected Nuapada, which he cited as evidence of restored administration and security.

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The Chief Minister reiterated that his government is determined to ensure the rule of law and urged criminals to ‘reform themselves’ as the state moves away from a culture of political patronage in policing.