In a thunderous display of zero-tolerance policing, the Odisha Police have delivered a massive blow to criminals, drug peddlers, and illegal mining mafias across the state.
In just five days (May 12–16), the force arrested 1,771 persons, executed hundreds of warrants, seized over three tonnes of ganja, unlicensed firearms, and nearly 200 heavy vehicles used in illegal mining.
The statewide “Special Drive” was launched on the direct orders of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania and monitored personally by Additional DGP (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar.
Every police range and commissionerate joined the coordinated operation targeting non-bailable warrants (NBWs), fugitives, narcotic smuggling, drunk driving, cow smuggling, illegal mining, and unlicensed arms.
Key Highlights of the Crackdown
- Arrests & Legal Action: 1,771 people were arrested through warrant execution. Among them, 190 fugitives were nabbed and produced in court. Five hardened criminals were booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). Additionally, 449 habitual offenders were booked under BNSS Section 129 (formerly CrPC 110), while action under BNSS Section 126 was initiated against 643 others.
- Drug Busts: Police registered 31 NDPS cases and arrested 29 accused. They seized a staggering 3,026 kg 702 grams of ganja, 16.6 grams of brown sugar, six vehicles used in smuggling, two mobile phones, and ₹12,348 in cash. Another 716 excise cases were registered during the drive.
- Road Safety: In a major push for safer roads, 966 drunk drivers were booked, and their vehicles impounded. Road traffic violation fines totalling ₹1.89 crore were collected.
- Cow Smuggling: Five cases were registered, one accused arrested, and 33 cows were rescued from four vehicles.
- Illegal Mining: 136 cases were filed, 60 persons arrested, and 14 issued notices. Police seized 179 vehicles – trucks, tractors, tippers, JCBs, and power tillers – dealing a heavy blow to the mining mafia.
- Arms Seizure: Nine cases of illegal arms trafficking were registered. Thirteen persons were arrested, and 20 unlicensed firearms were recovered.
Range-wise Top Performers
Central Range led in warrant execution with 482 warrants served. Western Range booked the highest number of habitual offenders (147). South-Western Range recorded the single largest ganja seizure – 1,943 kg 4 grams. Western Range also topped fine collection with over ₹53 lakh.
DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania praised the dedication of all officers and jawans. “Odisha Police remains committed to serving the people with safety and security,” he said. “Such special enforcement drives will continue relentlessly against crime and the mafia.”
The five-day operation has sent a clear message: Odisha is no longer a soft target for criminals. With sustained pressure on drugs, illegal mining, and road safety violations, the state police have reaffirmed their resolve to make Odisha safer for every citizen.
