Even as the incidence of rape increased in Odisha in 2013 against 2012, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik claimed in the Assembly on Friday that the law and order situation in the State was under control.
There was a spurt in crimes against women with the Odisha police registering as many as 1,832 rape cases in 2013, against 1,458 in 2012, according to a white paper of the Home Department tabled in the Assembly on Thursday.
Mr. Patnaik argued that various steps had been taken to ensure prompt and proper investigation and expedite prosecution in crime against women.
“FIRs concerning offences against women can be lodged in any police station and then be transferred to the police station concerned for investigation. Special Prosecutors are now being appointed in sensitive cases,” Mr. Patnaik said.
Making a statement in the House during discussion of demand of grants relating to the Home and General Administration Departments, Mr. Patnaik said the victim compensation scheme had been suitably enlarged for providing necessary medical assistance.
Referring to the concern expressed by Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra over the rate of conviction, Mr. Patnaik said his government was taking a number of steps to improve the conviction rate.
Recruitments
The State government has moved the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) for recruitment of more than 200 cadre prosecutors in the rank of Additional and Assistant Public Prosecutors. In order to augment the strength of State police, 6,243 posts in different ranks had been filled by way of direct recruitment during 2013, Mr. Patnaik said, adding that 3,188 posts had also been created 2013-14. Besides, 4,009 tribal youths recruited as Special Police Officers had been absorbed as constables in the Odisha Auxiliary Police Force.
Stating that the quantum and intensity of Maoist violence had declined in the State in 2013 and 2014, Mr. Patnaik countered the allegation by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo that the arrest of Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda was stage-managed by the State government.
“We do not believe in stage-managing things or drama. People of our State know the commitment and sincerity with which my Government deals with issues concerning the State, including Left wing extremism. It is because of the sustained hard work along with valour and sacrifice of Odisha police that today Sabyasachi Panda is behind bars,” Mr. Patnaik said.
