Oppn Alleges Breakdown Of Law And Order In State

Bhubaneswar: Opposition parties on Wednesday targeted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik alleging that the law and order situation has deteriorated in the state and expressed concerns over growing resentment arising due to police excess.

During discussion on law and order situation prevailing in the state under an adjournment motion in state Assembly, the Opposition alleged that the ruling party is utilizing the services of police for party activities. For this, the government is adopting nepotism in reshuffle of IPS officers in the districts.

“The judge in Rourkela was attacked by a cop. He contacted the SP from the police station. The SP did not take any action against the police officer; rather a case was registered against the judge himself.

This shows the government is using the police to stay in power. The police has turned out to be a political, secret and committed police,” Opposition Chief whip Prasad Harichandan said.

“Why the government is fearful in taking action against the SP of the area? The CM says that law would take its own course. But there is no course of law. There is a divide between the IPS and IAS lobby,” BJP Leader Kanak Bardhan Singhdeo said.

Due to the unrestrained behavior of police, resentment is brewing among people and they are resorting to protests. As the number of Maoist-affected districts has gone up to 20, the chief minister has no morality to stay in power, the Opposition alleged.

Reacting to this, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said there is not an iota of truth and the law and order situation in the state in under control. The government is availing minimal service of police, he claimed.

“I have stated very clearly in the House that law and order on the whole is very much under control and it’s peaceful in the state,” CM Naveen Patnaik said.

On allegations of police excess, the chief minister maintained whenever there are complaints, action is initiated against them.

As far as tackling Maoist menace is concerned, Unified Command has been set up and a special task force has been formed to dispose off Maoist-related cases, Patnaik added.

Moreover, an Economic Offence Wing (EOW) will be instituted to look into economic and related offences, Patnaik informed.