BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday asserted that the state’s law and order situation has remained ‘largely peaceful’ and under control and he credited proactive policing and intelligence network for preventing major disturbances.
Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for the Home department in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said maintaining public safety and ensuring security of life and property remain the government’s top priority.
Highlighting the fight against left-wing extremism (LWE), Majhi said Odisha is on the verge of becoming Maoist-free, with the number of extremists reduced to single digits. Between 2025 and March 24, 2026, security forces neutralised 27 hardcore Maoists, including two central committee members, while 77 cadres surrendered. The state is likely to be removed from the Union Home Ministry’s list of Maoist-affected regions soon, he said.
On crime against women, he reiterated a zero-tolerance policy, stating that even a single incident is unacceptable. While total cases remained largely stable at around 48,700 over comparable 18-month periods, several categories showed a decline. Rape cases dropped by 3.5 per cent, molestation by 2.2 pc, acid attacks by 73.3 pc and dowry deaths by 26.1 pc.
Majhi highlighted the significance of conviction rates in crimes against women, which he said rose sharply during his government’s tenure. From 6.7 pc in 2023, the conviction rate jumped to 41 pc in early 2025, touching 62 pc in June 2025, the CM said.
“This conviction rate is probably the highest in the country and reflects my government’s stern stand against such criminals who deserve to be in the jails,” he said.
Majhi said the government has prioritised speedy justice, with several cases being investigated and disposed of within weeks. In one instance, a case in Mayurbhanj district was resolved within 19 days, while others saw convictions within 37 to 40 days.
Addressing emerging challenges, the CM flagged cybercrime as a major concern. Under Operation Cyber Kavach conducted between February 13 and March 12, police verified over 39,700 suspicious bank accounts, registered 1,422 cases, and arrested 379 accused. Authorities also issued notices to more than 7,500 individuals linked to fraudulent activities.
He said the state has also intensified its crackdown on narcotics. In 2025, illegal cannabis cultivation over 29,493 acre was destroyed, with an estimated value exceeding Rs 800 crore.
The chief minister also lauded the Fire Services wing for its role in relief and rescue during man-made and natural disasters. During April 2025 and February 2026, the firefighters saved over 8,000 human and 16,000 animal lives. Over Rs 5,000 crore worth of property could be saved from fire mishaps, he informed. To strengthen policing, he said, the government has created over 17,700 posts and recruited nearly 5,800 personnel since July 2024.