Odisha DGP Calls for Swift Action on Crimes Against Women

Bhubaneswar : Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania urged police officials across the state to expedite investigations into heinous crimes against women and ensure that culprits face strict punishment.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day state conference on Women’s Safety, Khurania expressed concern over the rising incidents of gang rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and cybercrimes targeting women. “The women of Odisha are the foundation of our society, yet they are frequently subjected to harassment and abuse. This is a matter of serious concern,” he said.

The DGP advised Investigating Officers, Supervising Officers, and District Superintendents of Police to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing such crimes. He emphasized that safeguarding women and girls is the foremost responsibility of the Odisha Police.

Khurania also linked women’s safety to Odisha’s broader development goals. “Women will play a major role in realizing the vision of a Viksit Odisha by 2036. We are committed to making Odisha a model state for women’s safety in the country,” he noted.

Highlighting the low conviction rate of just 9.1 per cent in crimes against women, as per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Khurania said it must be improved through faster investigations, better training, and empathetic handling of victims. He urged officials to leverage provisions of laws like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam to deliver timely justice.

He further instructed officers to intensify cyber patrolling and strengthen social media monitoring to curb the spread of sensitive images and videos involving women and children.

During the event, the DGP also felicitated District SPs, Investigating Officers, Supervising Officers, and Public Prosecutors for securing swift convictions in 13 cases, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts in protecting women’s rights.