Sambalpur: From January to June; 215 Thefts in the City, Regular Looting on Fatak-Station Road
Sambalpur witnessed a sharp rise in crime with 215 theft cases and numerous looting incidents reported between January and June 2024. Despite increased police presence during the election period, thefts surged dramatically post-June during the Shitalsasthi festival.
Law and Order Crisis in Sambalpur
Sambalpur: The law and order situation in Sambalpur appears to be deteriorating day by day. Robberies, looting, and snatchings are now commonplace. Every day, thefts are reported from various police station locations throughout the city. Even during the day, stores and markets are looted. The police are reportedly overwhelmed by the growing number of thefts and robberies. According to the district police department, theft cases in the district exceeded 200 between January 1 and April 1 of this year. There are numerous cases of looting and snatching. In many cases, police have come up empty-handed.
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Increased Thefts Despite Police Presence During Election Period
This year, from April to June, the election code of conduct was in effect throughout the state and country. Throughout the city and district, there was a high level of police presence. Security checkpoints were installed along roads and at intersections. As a result, the number of incidents decreased slightly during that period. However, during the Shitalsasthi festival, theft increased dramatically after June. Thieves were actively engaged in car theft, pickpocketing, and mobile phone theft. Looting has been reported on the road from the gate to the Khetrajpur railway station area, even though police are patrolling some of it.
Rising Crime Statistics
According to reports, more than 250 thefts occurred in Sambalpur between January 1 and June 30. Of these, 215 cases have been registered, with some not being recorded by the police. Additionally, over 50 cases of looting and snatching have been reported. 65 theft cases and 15 looting cases have been registered at the Ainthapali police station. The town police station recorded 59 theft cases and 18 looting cases, the Dhanupali police station recorded 58 theft cases and 13 looting cases, and the Khetrajpur police station recorded 21 theft cases and two looting cases. Similarly, the Bareipali police station reported 12 theft cases and two looting cases. While the police have arrested the accused and seized materials in some cases, many cases remain unsolved, according to public complaints.
