Argus News - CM Majhi Reveals Data on Crackdown on Illegal Migration, Encroachment, and Corruption

Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi tabled a written reply during the ongoing Winter Session of the Assembly on Monday, revealing a series of significant actions taken by the state government since assuming office.

According to CM Majhi, as many as 51 Bangladeshi nationals were identified across different districts, of which 49 have already been repatriated. The highest numbers were traced in Khordha (24), followed by Cuttack (15), Ganjam (6), Kandhamal (3), and Koraput (1). Two individuals were caught using forged passports and have been booked under relevant laws. CM Majhi stressed that the government remains vigilant against illegal infiltration and fraudulent documentation.

The Odisha Chief Minister also disclosed startling figures on land encroachment in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) limits, where nearly 500 acres of government land have been illegally occupied in prime localities such as Bapuji Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Ganga Nagar, Sahid Nagar, Surya Nagar, Bomikhal, Jharapada, and Patia.

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To address this, the state has formed a committee to oversee eviction and recovery. Already, steps have begun to free 70 acres of encroached land this year, with further action planned in the coming months.

On the issue of corruption, CM Majhi informed the House that since June 12, 2024, vigilance authorities have arrested 270 government and contractual employees. Among them, 31 officials faced multiple vigilance actions. The Vigilance Court convicted 187 employees, leading to 34 dismissals from service and 65 pension suspensions.

He also revealed that since the new government came to power, 318 corruption cases have been registered. Among these, in disproportionate assets cases, raids were conducted on 82 government officials, leading to the seizure of property worth ₹208.24 crore. In total, 266 government officials, 12 public servants, and 38 private individuals have been arrested.

According to the 2023 NCRB report, Odisha recorded 162 cases of human trafficking, involving 1,305 victims. Among them, 644 were women and 348 were below 18 years of age. CM Majhi said that investigations have been completed in 74 cases, with charge sheets filed in 64.

In 2025, four special drives were conducted, during which 1,209 children were reported missing — 131 boys and 1,078 girls. Meanwhile, 6,667 women were rescued during these operations. This information was provided by the Odisha Chief Minister in response to a question raised by legislator Sofia Firdous.

Between 2024 and September 2025, data on organized crimes has emerged from the Cuttack–Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police and various districts. In 2024, there were 2,14,113 organized crimes, while by September 2025, the number stood at 1,69,200.

In Bhubaneswar UPD alone, 14,416 organized crimes were recorded in 2024, compared to 11,342 in 2025. In Cuttack UPD, 7,268 cases were reported in 2024, while 7,226 organized crimes were registered in 2025.

CM Majhi also revealed that the state is facing a shortage of senior officers. Currently, 46 IAS posts, 67 IPS posts, and 70 IFS posts remain vacant.

Regarding the Puri stampede incident, CM Majhi revealed that the vendor, who was responsible, will be blacklisted. A show-cause notice has been issued to the concerned vendor, and disciplinary action has been taken against five police officers.

The revelations sparked intense discussion in the Assembly, with legislators noting the scale of infiltration, encroachment, and corruption. The government’s proactive stance, including repatriation of foreign nationals, recovery of public land, and strict vigilance enforcement, is being positioned as part of its broader agenda to strengthen governance and safeguard public resources.