Baleshwar: Odisha’s overall crime rate has not increased in the last two years despite a rise in cases registered under certain categories, DGP-in-charge Vinaytosh Mishra said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters in Baleshwar, Mishra said the increase in registered cases was largely due to stronger police enforcement and special drives against illegal activities. He urged people not to judge the state’s law and order situation only by the number of cases reported.
Mishra said intensified action against drunk driving had helped control road accidents and fatalities. He said deaths on roads, which were earlier rising, have now plateaued.
He also pointed to the police’s ‘Nasha Mukt’ campaign, saying increased enforcement led to more cases being detected. The number of such cases rose by around 20%, 22% and 25% in different years.
Action against illegal sand mining also contributed to the increase in registered cases. Around 700 cases related to illegal sand mining were registered in Baleshwar over the past two years.
Mishra added that police action under the Arms Act had resulted in 54 cases being registered this year.
He said enforcement drives would continue to ensure public safety and maintain law and order across Odisha.