Crime situation under control in Odisha: Naveen Patnaik

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday said the Orissa High Court has been requested to earmark one court of Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in each district for trial in cases of crimes against women.

While replying to an adjournment motion debate in the Assembly, Patnaik claimed that crime situation in the state remained by and large under control, barring a few incidents. "I have personally reviewed the crimes against women at regular interval and have instructed the police for prompt registration of FIRs," the chief minister said.

A victim can lodge the FIR in any police station in the state and it can be transferred to concerned station for intervention, Patnaik said, adding his government had instructed police for prompt investigation and submitting chargesheet related to cases of crime against women within 60 days.

"Recently, High Court has authorised all the registrars of civil courts of 30 districts to act as Assistant Sessions Judges for trial of offences against women on a fast track basis," he said. Replying to alleged increase in the crimes against tribals, dalits and other backward classes, Patnaik said all District and Additional Sessions Judge Courts will also function as Special Courts for trial of offences under ST and SC Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act.

The chief minister said three exclusive special courts have been created at Cuttack, Balasore and Bolangir for trial of offences under ST ~~amp;amp; SC (PoA) Act. The courts will be made functional early, he said adding that ST ~~amp;amp; SC Protection Cell is headed by an Inspector General rank police officer. Besides, Patnaik said women and child cells have been set up under superintendents of police.

To strengthen the Mahila and Sishu Desks, 537 posts of sub-inspectors have been created, he said adding that in addition, 12 integrated anti-human trafficking units are operating in different parts of the state. A toll free number has been established for lodging complaints of crimes against women.

"Victim compensation has been made for different types of crimes including crimes against women," Patnaik who is also the home minister of the state said.