Bhubaneswar: In a development that is drawing comparisons to the controversial law enforcement methods employed in Uttar Pradesh, sources within the Odisha Police have indicated a significant increase in “encounter” killings or injuries of alleged criminals in recent times.
According to these sources, this marks the 11th such incident between law enforcement and individuals with criminal backgrounds across various districts of Odisha in under 60 days, spanning from February 17 to April 13.
The latest incident occurred in the Sambalpur district early this morning, where 34-year-old Sitaram Sarangi, a man with a reported history of 25 cases including dacoity and attempt to murder, sustained a leg injury during an encounter with the police near Rangiatikra village.
Sambalpur SP MK Bhamoo stated that police fired two rounds in self-defense after Sarangi allegedly fired thrice at the police team. A country-made pistol and other items were recovered from his possession.
This encounter follows a similar incident just yesterday in Jharsuguda district, where two minors accused in a rape case were injured while allegedly attempting to flee police custody.
On Friday, an alleged drug peddler was arrested in Bhubaneswar after a brief exchange of fire. The state capital alone has witnessed seven arrests following exchanges of fire since February 17.
The apparent rise in these encounters has led to speculation and concern among observers, with some drawing parallels to the “encounter raj” that has been a subject of intense scrutiny in Uttar Pradesh.
There, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the police have been reported to have engaged in numerous encounters, often resulting in the deaths of alleged criminals. While proponents argue such actions are necessary to curb crime, critics raise serious questions about extrajudicial killings, the rule of law, and potential human rights violations.
A former senior police official in Odisha, Sarat Kumar Sahu, reportedly told a local news outlet that the Odisha Police seem to be “trying to create a fear psychosis among the criminals and are taking strong action against them, in a similar vein with the ‘encounter formula’ of UP (Uttar Pradesh) Police.”
Northern Range IGP, Himanshu Kumar Lal, however, stated that “proper and strong legal actions are being taken against the wrongdoers and whoever will break the law would face political action.”
The increasing frequency of these incidents in Odisha, mirroring a strategy often associated with Uttar Pradesh, is likely to spark debate regarding the necessity, legality, and ethical implications of such law enforcement tactics. Questions surrounding due process, the right to a fair trial, and the potential for misuse of power are expected to be raised by human rights advocates and the public.
Authorities in Odisha are yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing this apparent surge in police encounters and the comparisons being drawn with the Uttar Pradesh model. The effectiveness and long-term consequences of this approach in maintaining law and order in the state remain to be seen.