BHUBANESWAR: If mob violence and rioting are a general indicator of the law and order situation, Odisha is going through a tough phase at present. The recent panchayat polls saw an unprecedented level of violence compared to previous rural polls, but it was not an aberration by any stretch of imagination.
Last year in September, Balasore's Soro plunged into chaos following a communal clash after which tension lasted for about a week.
The clash at Puri's Delang was the second such conflict in the last seven months. In Cuttack's Niali too, similar violence was reported. The persistent campus violence at Ravenshaw University led to such a situation that the Vice-Chancellor resigned before the Chancellor intervened.
Going by available statistics, rioting has been on the rise in the State. From 1,732 cases registered for rioting in 2014, the number reached 1,914 in 2016. In 2015, cases registered for rioting were 1,976.
In the last 16 years, the number of cases booked for riots has breached the 2,000 mark twice - in 2008 and 2012. In 2008, 2,721 cases were registered which was primarily due to the communal violence in Kandhamal district. In 2012 when the last panchayat elections were held, the number was 2,205. Similarly in 2015, arson cases stood at 505, the second highest in the last four terms of the BJD Government.
The panchayat election years have generally reported a jump in rioting cases. In 2002, 1,598 riot cases were registered whereas in the years before and after that, the numbers dropped. Similar was the case in 2007 when 1,983 cases were booked. When the numbers are compiled, 2017 rural polls may as well come up with significant numbers.
The increasing mob violence, many believe, is because of growing lack of trust in police system as well as its declining legitimacy. ''People taking law onto their hands and seeking justice outside the system is an indication. The common thinking is that the men in khaki are a tool in the hands of those in power,'' say experts.
This may be a reason as in many instances, police have had to face mob fury. On February 19, irate villagers torched the police station at Melchhamunda over a missing child. In Polsara under Ganjam district last year, a mob ransacked the police station after a woman who protested molestation of her daughter was murdered by miscreants.
Over the years, the State Government has diluted the command structure while concentrating capability upgradation in limited areas. The personnel policy has been, at best, random.
The Odisha Police Association, recently, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Secretary demanding transparency in transfer policy. More importantly, it also demanded a reformation in Police Establishment Board.