Odisha Police Director General Y.B. Khurania on Sunday, 17 May issued a sharp warning to criminals across the state, declaring that those involved in unlawful activities 'will face strict police action wherever they are found.' The warning came as a five-day statewide special drive yielded the execution of more than 1,700 Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs), the arrest of around 50 absconding criminals, and the detention of six individuals under the National Security Act (NSA).

Scope of the Statewide Drive

The operation, which targets absconding criminals, illegal narcotics and arms traders, and habitual offenders, is set to continue for another 10 days. Authorities have also seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition from multiple districts during the initial phase. Khurania urged officials and personnel at every district and police station to actively participate and sustain the momentum.

Encounters in Sambalpur and Berhampur

Two separate police encounters underscored the intensity of the drive. In Berhampur, an accused identified as Dipuna Nayak was arrested after allegedly pushing a person off a bridge on Saturday morning. Later that Saturday night, Nayak allegedly attempted to flee by attacking a police team with bombs along with associates, prompting officers to open controlled fire. Nayak sustained bullet injuries to his left leg and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Berhampur.

In Sambalpur district, notorious criminal Manish Sahu — reportedly linked to more than 14 cases including dacoity, robbery, Arms Act violations, and Corex-related offences — sustained bullet wounds to his right leg during an exchange of fire with Burla Police in the early hours of Sunday. Three of his associates were also apprehended.

What the DGP Said

'The Odisha Police have launched a massive statewide crackdown over the past five days, targeting to arrest absconding criminals, individuals involved in the illegal narcotics and arms trade, and habitual offenders,' Khurania said. He added that efforts are underway to execute pending NBWs and initiate action against repeat offenders under the NSA.

Significance and What Comes Next

This crackdown represents one of the most concentrated law-enforcement pushes in Odisha in recent memory, with NSA detentions — a preventive detention tool reserved for those deemed a threat to national security or public order — signalling the administration's intent to go beyond routine arrests. The operation's remaining 10-day window will be closely watched for further encounters, seizures, and warrant executions across the state's districts.