Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Under Operation “Garuda,” a thorough enforcement action that began on August 1, the State Police have made significant progress in their coordinated efforts to stop criminal activity and uphold law and order throughout Odisha. All district police units have actively participated in the operation, which is being carried out under the direct supervision of Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar in response to directions from Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania. Thousands of Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) have been executed, hundreds of criminals have been arrested, and significant amounts of cash, guns, and contraband have been seized during the operation’s second phase, which continued until August 16.
Key Achievements of Operation ‘Garuda’:
- NBWs Executed: 3,643
- NBWs Otherwise Disposed: 362
- Excise Cases: 1,806 cases registered; seizure of 47,105.56 litres of illicit liquor and Rs 3,400 in cash
- Illegal Arms Seized: 63 firearms, 95 rounds of ammunition, 2 empty magazines; Rs 1,45,500 in cash; 1 car and 3 motorcycles
- NDPS Cases: 57 cases registered; 3,030.35 kg of cannabis, 664 grams of brown sugar seized; 9 cars, 12 motorcycles, Rs 89,520 in cash
- Gambling Cases: 70 cases; Rs 6,28,725 in cash seized along with 3 cars, 52 motorcycles, and 47 mobile phones
- Arrests Made: 406 individuals across various criminal cases
- Drunken Driving: 163 cases; 163 vehicles seized
District-wise Enforcement Highlights:
- Ganjam District led in NBW enforcement, executing 383 warrants. The district police also seized 11 firearms and 55 rounds of ammunition, arresting 30 persons in arms-related cases.
- Sambalpur District recorded significant action in multiple fronts:
- In gambling cases, 10 instances were registered, leading to the seizure of Rs 31,760 in cash, 3 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones, and the arrest of 18 persons.
- Under the NDPS Act, the district police registered 12 cases and seized 50.58 kg of cannabis, 2,599 bottles of cough syrup, 13.1 strips of nitrazepam tablets, 20 pocket injections, 5 motorcycles, and 5 mobile phones, with 24 persons arrested.
- In excise cases, 182 persons were arrested and 1,612 litres of illicit liquor were seized in 182 separate cases.
- In Kandhamal District, police seized over 5 tonnes of explosives and arrested five persons in connection with the case.
Operation “Garuda” is part of an ongoing effort by the Odisha Police to combat escalating crime patterns and guarantee the safety and security of inhabitants throughout the state, according to Additional DGP Sanjay Kumar. He affirmed that the procedure will proceed with greater rigor in the upcoming weeks.
According to the official release, “these noteworthy accomplishments are a testament to the unwavering dedication, flawless coordination, and unrelenting zeal exhibited by all districts in ensuring the grand success of Operation Garuda.” “In order to firmly suppress various threats and antisocial elements and maintain peace, security, and public confidence throughout the State, all SsP are hereby directed to continue such operations with renewed vigor and equal intensity in the days ahead.”
Through persistent, data-driven, and focused enforcement efforts, the Odisha Police have reaffirmed their dedication to upholding law and order and safeguarding the welfare of the public.
