Bhubaneswar: In a tough message to the state police, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday asked them to change the mindset while seeking a report from the DGP on district-wise data of crime against women, conviction pending status and other information within a week.
Speaking on the concluding day of the two-day conference of Collectors and SPs, the Chief Minister expressed concerns over the poor conviction rate in cases of crime against women in the state in the past 22 years.
Asking the police personnel to mend ways, Majhi said the government always stands with the police force but at the same time will not tolerate corruption, irregularities and misuse of power by anybody at any cost.
Noting that the conviction rate in cases relating to crime against women was just 9.7% in Odisha till 2022, the CM said this is highly disappointing and the government will not tolerate this. “You must take stern action against criminals irrespective of their posts, positions,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the low conviction rate implies two things – either there are some lapses in police investigation or lack of intent on the part of the department for speedy trial.
Asserting that the state government is committed to ensuring zero tolerance against crime against women and children, Majhi said stern action will be taken against even the powerful and influential people.
The CM urged the DGP to provide district-wise data of cases against women, conviction pending status and other data within a week and said a future roadmap will be prepared after legal consultations.
Data show that the cases of eve teasing have increased in in the state and the police department should ensure that girls, students and women can move freely across the state, he said.
Stressing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always focused on safety of women and children, Majhi said Odisha government is also committed to zero tolerance against crime against women and children. Stern action will be taken against all, including the powerful and influential people, in such criminal cases, he said.
Hailing Odisha Police as a disciplined, people-friendly and efficient force, the CM said there could be some deviation, but the state has earned reputation of being a peaceful state.
Describing law and order and crime control as the top priorities of the government, he said police plays a crucial role in protecting the lives of people. Due to efficient policing measures, elections were conducted in an incident free manner in left-wing extremism-infected districts this year.
However, the fight against left-wing extremism is continuing despite a considerable drop in incidents of violence and other aspects. The state government is working hard to make the state free from left-wing extremism and hence all kinds of required manpower and other infrastructure will be provided, he said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the Maoists to shun violence and return to the social mainstream and said if the ultras fail to do so they will have to face the consequences as there are plans to make the country free from left-wing extremism.