Sambalpur: Surge in Criminal Activities; Sambalpur Becoming a “Crime City” is Looming

Sambalpur: Sambalpur city is witnessing a surge in criminal activities, earning it the label of a “crime city” where lawlessness seems to prevail. Previously unusual shooting incidents have become more common after Himanshu Lal took over as Inspector General of the Northern Police Range. While Lal’s experience in the northern range was well-discussed, the expected good impact on crime reduction did not materialize. Instead, the city is heading towards a state of fear, leaving residents anxious.

Despite the public’s hope for an improvement in law and order, the situation appears to be worsening. Criminals are reportedly engaging in shootings with increasing frequency. Since the appointment of the new SP and police personnel in Sambalpur, catching the culprits involved in large-scale robberies has proven difficult. Over the past 10 days, the city has witnessed two murders. One occurred in Durgapali Kusumpada, resulting in the death of a youth on Saturday, while the half-burnt body of a woman was discovered near Right Dyke in Hirakud last week. Even after 10 days since the body’s retrieval, Sambalpur police have been unable to figure out the motivation for the murder.

Sambalpur Invests in Checkpoints to Combat Crime; Effectiveness Questioned

Checkposts have been established in various crucial areas of Sambalpur for crime control. Initially, cabins were constructed using rough and now, sparingly thick tin, equipped with installed cameras. A 24-hour police presence, including armed officers, has been stationed at some locations. The police agency claims that these checkpoints will serve as a panacea in combating criminal activity, preventing culprits from fleeing the city after committing a crime. Despite significant expenditures, crime has not only continued but even increased. Criminals continue to engage in looting and dacoity, skillfully evading the checkposts. Although checkpoints are visibly present in the city, some people question their usefulness.

Local Residents Attribute Rising Crimes to Sambalpur’s Ineffective Patrolling Strategies

Sambalpur is dealing with inadequate patrolling tactics, including a lack of proper observation during both the day and night. Residents frequently say that police monitoring teams are simply wandering around when they like, which reduces their sense of security. The actuality of seeing a vigilant patrolling presence remains elusive to the public. The growing number of crimes in the city is being linked to the inadequacies of the heavy patrolling system by the local community.