BJD says DGP’s move to deploy senior officers reflects deteriorating law and order in Odisha

The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday alleged that the Odisha government’s decision to deploy 15 senior police officers to supervise policing in 17 districts is a clear-cut acknowledgment of the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state.

In a statement, BJD spokesperson and media coordinator Dr Lenin Mohanty said the move comes amid growing concerns over public safety and allegations of 10 custodial deaths reported from different parts of Odisha.

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“The DGP’s decision itself indicates that the police administration is not functioning effectively,” Mohanty said, alleging that several police stations have been operating under political influence instead of functioning as impartial law-enforcement institutions.

He further alleged that illegal extraction of minor minerals such as sand, stone and morrum continues unchecked across the state with the support of ruling party leaders. According to him, the activities of mining mafias have demoralised honest police officers and, in some cases, exposed them to attacks while performing their duties.

Referring to the recent death of a police personnel in Cuttack allegedly linked to sand mafia activities, Mohanty claimed the incident highlighted the growing influence of illegal mining syndicates in Odisha. At the same time, he accused some police officials of violating human rights while acting at the behest of the ruling establishment.

The BJD leader also expressed concern over what he described as increasing instances of police excesses and custodial misconduct. Citing incidents reported from Baranga, Balianta, Kabisuryanagar and Bhadrak, he alleged that the conduct of police personnel in these cases had shocked people across the state.

Mohanty said the deployment of senior officers should lead to tangible improvements in policing and accountability. He expressed hope that the move would help restore public confidence, improve law-and-order management and curb the alleged use of third-degree methods during investigations.

He also questioned the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to check illegal sand mining, alleging that such activities continue openly despite repeated assurances from the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police regarding strict action.

“Senior-level supervision must bring visible changes in police functioning and law enforcement. Otherwise, it will be seen as yet another cosmetic exercise,” Mohanty said.

Stating that the DGP’s decision was a delayed acknowledgment of the prevailing situation, the BJD leader said the people of Odisha expect concrete corrective measures and hoped the initiative would result in noticeable improvements in law and order across the state.