In a significant move to address the escalating menace of organised crime, Odisha’s Deputy Speaker, Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, has proposed the “Odisha Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act,” inspired by the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act of 1986.
The proposal, submitted to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on July 24, 2025, aims to empower law enforcement to dismantle criminal syndicates, including land mafias and extortion rackets.
The proposal highlights the growing threat of organised crime, including land grabbing, extortion, and illegal mining, which have strained Odisha’s legal and social fabric. Bhoi emphasised the need for a robust legal framework to disrupt criminal networks and ensure public safety, stating, “This special law will empower our police to tackle the root causes of crime and restore faith in our justice system.”If enacted, the “Odisha Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act” could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges.
The Uttar Pradesh model, which has been cited as a successful example, includes stringent provisions for property seizure and expedited trials, elements likely to be incorporated into the Odisha version. Stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and civil society, are keenly awaiting the government’s response to this proposal.
