Voicing deep concerns about the escalating cybercrime cases in the country and particularly in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today announced the establishment of a dedicated cybercrime branch in Bhubaneswar to tackle such offenses.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 69th Police Duty Meet 2024, CM Majhi remarked that a growing number of people are falling victim to cybercrimes nationwide. He noted an uptick in offenses such as cyber fraud, digital theft, and investment scams.
“Cybercrime poses a significant challenge for us all. With this in mind, our administration is dedicated to bolstering and updating the police department’s cyber unit. Cyber police stations will soon come up in districts lacking such facilities,” the Chief Minister stated.
Additionally, he announced the formation of a cybercrime branch in Bhubaneswar for advanced investigation and surveillance of cyber offenses.
To further reinforce the police force, the State Government plans to fill 10,000 vacant positions in the Home Department shortly, Majhi disclosed today. To enhance police efficiency, he revealed plans to equip police stations with 9,000 motorcycles.
Each station will receive six motorcycles, supported by a special allocation of Rs. 35 crore in the recent supplementary budget, he informed.
Home Guard positions will also be filled to augment the police force. Approximately 5,000 posts will be filled in the police department, combining both vacant and new positions, he stated.
In light of criminals’ evolving tactics, the Chief Minister urged police officers to remain vigilant and proactive.
He emphasized that the modernization of the police force, reforms in policing practices, improved investigative infrastructure, and skilled personnel are crucial.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to police department modernization, Majhi stated that the upcoming increase in police vehicles throughout the state will bolster patrolling, investigations, victim assistance, and criminal apprehension.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritizes women’s safety, advocating a zero-tolerance stance on violence against women. However, Majhi highlighted the disheartening conviction rates for violence against women at the national level. Majhi attributed these rates to previous inadequate professional investigations and a lack of political resolve.
To address this, the government plans to enhance the conviction rate to national standards by establishing additional women’s courts. A decision has been made to establish women’s courts in four districts.
The Chief Minister commended the state police for swiftly resolving significant cases, including those in Bonai and Cuttack Kandarpur, and urged similar efficiency in all cases to boost public confidence in the police.
With the goal of eradicating Maoist and Naxal violence by March 2026, he noted that certain Odisha regions are part of the action plan. Achieving this objective requires innovative practices, new technologies, and skills, which are expected to be developed through duty meetings like the current one.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for decisive action against criminals who deliberately disrupt societal harmony, ensuring they remain in a state of constant fear.
He stated that the leniency previously afforded to such offenders would cease. He urged for stringent measures within legal boundaries.
Additionally, he highlighted the Odisha Police’s significant strides in curbing organized drug-related crimes through frequent targeted operations by the Crime Branch.
During the event, he also launched the new buildings of the Astaranga, Balanga, and Delang Police Stations in the Puri district.