Odisha's Transformation: A Journey Towards Enduring Peace and Security

It's a moment of profound significance for Odisha, a truly landmark achievement that many once thought might remain elusive. The state has officially shed its 'Naxal-affected' tag, declared completely Naxal-free as of March 31, 2026. This incredible feat, announced by the outgoing Director General of Police, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, marks a pivotal shift, signaling a new era of peace and stability for the region.

You know, when you look back at the sheer scale of the challenge, it makes these successes all the more remarkable. DGP Khurania, reflecting on his tenure from August 2024 to July 2026, highlighted not just the triumph over Maoist insurgency but also a sweeping crackdown on drug trafficking and a noticeable decline in overall crime rates.

The journey to Naxal-free status wasn't easy, believe me. It involved relentless, strategic operations. In a concentrated push between August 2024 and July 2026, security forces managed to neutralize 29 hardcore Maoists. Among those, and this is truly significant, were high-ranking Central Committee members like Chalapati and Ganesh Uike – a real blow to their command structure. Beyond that, the strategic pressure led to 83 Maoists surrendering and another 15 being arrested, often bringing crucial intelligence with them.

It wasn't just about force; it was also about smart tactics and giving people a way out. We saw large-scale surrenders, particularly in regions like Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi, especially in the run-up to the Naxal-free declaration between December 2025 and March 2026. To bolster these efforts, the state even raised three additional Odisha Special Striking Force (OSSF) battalions, staffed by experienced ex-army personnel. They've sanctioned 3,009 new posts for OSSF, and importantly, increased risk allowances for our brave security forces. Plus, a revised surrender and rehabilitation policy, offering incentives up to a staggering ₹1.20 crore, certainly played a role in encouraging those who wanted to leave the path of violence.

But the fight for a safer Odisha didn't stop at Naxalism. The police also waged a massive war on drugs, an initiative aptly named 'Nisha Mukta Odisha Abhiyan' – a drug-free Odisha campaign – alongside 'Operation Prahar.' And let me tell you, the numbers are just eye-popping. They seized and destroyed drugs worth an astounding ₹4,195 crore! Just imagine the scale of that operation.

In the process, 4,892 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases were registered, leading to 5,376 arrests. A huge part of this was tackling illegal ganja cultivation, with an incredible 64,022 acres of illicit crops destroyed – that's 1,395 cases and 48 arrests right there. Specifically, the seizures included over 442,513 kg of ganja, valued at roughly ₹2,211 crore, nearly 28.53 kg of brown sugar worth about ₹56.9 crore, and a shocking 161,624 bottles of illegal cough syrup, valued at ₹16.16 crore. It's no wonder NDPS cases saw a significant 23.8% jump in the first half of 2026; they were actively hunting down these operations.

Now, for the general crime picture, which is equally encouraging. The state has seen a consistent downward trend. There was a 30.2% decline in overall crime in 2025 compared to 2024, and another 25.6% drop in 2026 compared to 2024. These aren't just minor dips; these are substantial shifts.

Looking at the first six months of 2026, the numbers paint a clear picture: rape cases fell by 22.8%, dacoity by 14.2%, theft by 8.6%, rioting by 4.4%, murder by 2.9%, and housebreaking by 0.8%. Even core non-enforcement cognizable crimes decreased by 3.4%. On the flip side, enforcement cases, which signify proactive police action, soared by 87.5% – showing a force that's truly on the front foot.

And what about justice? Conviction rates tell an important story. For Indian Penal Code cases between July 2024 and December 2025, the rate stood at an impressive 87.6%. The overall state conviction rate for 2025 was 37.9%. With 175,329 trials completed and 57,881 accused convicted between July 2024 and June 2026, it's evident that the justice system is working hard to hold criminals accountable.

Beyond the headline-grabbing efforts, the police have also been relentlessly pursuing other forms of illicit activity. Under the Arms Act, they registered 2,674 cases, arresting 3,388 individuals and seizing a staggering 910 weapons – including serious firearms like AK-47s, INSAS rifles, and SLRs – along with 1,435 rounds of ammunition. That's a lot of firepower off the streets.

And illegal mineral smuggling, a huge problem in many areas, saw 7,079 cases registered and 2,007 arrests. They also conducted special drives, executing a remarkable 34,978 non-bailable warrants and 44,036 total warrants, clearing a significant backlog and ensuring that those evading justice are brought to task.

Perhaps most heartening are the efforts made in women and child safety. 'Operation Anweshan-2,' launched in January 2026, managed to trace an incredible 5,451 missing persons in just ten days – 786 children and 4,665 women. To put that into perspective, in 2025 alone, 19,211 missing women were traced, actually exceeding the number reported missing. It's a testament to the dedication to reunite families.

Furthermore, crimes against women have seen a welcome decline: dowry deaths by 37.9%, public misbehavior by 36.4%, suicide by 23.1%, and torture cases by 10.9%. While there's always more work to be done, these figures represent a tangible improvement in the safety and security of women in the state.

So, as DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania steps down, he leaves behind a truly impressive legacy. Odisha's transformation from a Naxal-affected region to one declared Naxal-free, coupled with its vigorous fight against drugs and significant strides in overall crime reduction and citizen safety, paints a picture of a state making tangible progress towards a more secure and peaceful future. It's a story of sustained effort, strategic thinking, and the unwavering dedication of its police force, offering hope and a blueprint for others.