Odisha’s Crime Surge: A Call for Urgent Reforms

The Odisha government’s recently released white paper on law and order presents a grim picture of rising crime, systemic inefficiencies, and emerging threats that demand immediate attention. While the decline in Maoist violence offers some relief, the alarming spike in general crimes, cyber offences, and financial fraud underscores deep-rooted challenges in policing and judicial accountability.

In 2024, the state crossed a disturbing milestone, registering over 2.14 lakh criminal cases—a sharp increase from the previous year. What is more concerning is the sluggish pace of justice. Despite charge sheets being filed in 1.39 lakh cases, conviction rates remain dismally low, particularly in heinous crimes. Take, for instance, the 1,285 murders reported last year—charge sheets were submitted in only 45% of these cases. Similarly, while 3,054 cases of atrocities (many involving women and marginalised communities) were registered, just 64% saw investigative progress. Such delays erode public trust and embolden criminals.

Cybercrime has emerged as a formidable challenge, with cases rising to 2,501 in 2024. Yet, the system appears ill-equipped to handle this digital deluge—only 11% of cyber cases resulted in charge sheets. Financial frauds have also grown more sophisticated, with scams worth ₹1,070 crore reported, including interstate and international rackets. While police recovered a fraction of the stolen amount and made arrests, the scale of these crimes suggests the need for specialised cyber cells and stronger inter-agency coordination.

On a positive note, Maoist violence has significantly declined, with only four incidents reported in 2024—a testament to improved counter-insurgency strategies. However, this success is overshadowed by newer threats, particularly the exploitation of children on social media. Disturbingly, cases of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) circulating online nearly doubled last year, with over 1,000 complaints filed. Many victims, driven to despair, have resorted to extreme steps, yet enforcement remains lax.

The white paper also highlights the state’s road safety crisis, with 12,375 accidents recorded, half of which saw delayed legal action. Meanwhile, police resorted to firing in 14 instances, indicating heightened law-and-order tensions.

While the document acknowledges achievements, it inadvertently exposes systemic gaps—poor conviction rates, sluggish investigations, and inadequate cyber policing. The government must prioritise modernising law enforcement, accelerating trials, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, especially women and children. Without urgent reforms, Odisha’s crime graph will continue its troubling ascent, leaving justice elusive for its citizens. The white paper should serve as a catalyst for action rather than just another report gathering dust. It's time for concrete measures—better resources for police, faster courts, and stronger victim protection—to turn these alarming statistics into a story of transformation.