Baripada, Jun 4: Odisha Police on Thursday invoked the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against two habitual offenders in Mayurbhanj district, in what officials described as a decisive measure to safeguard public order and deter repeat crime.

The accused, brothers Akash Mukhi (26) and Kundan Mukhi (24) of Kalikapur under Baripada Town Police Station, have long criminal records. Police said Akash faces 49 cases, while Kundan has 14 cases registered against him. Both are currently lodged in Baripada Circle Jail under judicial custody.

According to officials, the duo was involved in a series of serious offences including theft, robbery, snatching and dacoity, which repeatedly disrupted law and order in the district. “Invoking NSA was necessary to prevent further disruption of public safety, as regular legal measures had proven insufficient against their repeated offences,” Mayurbhanj Superintendent of Police Varun Guntupalli said.

The NSA, enacted in 1980, empowers authorities to detain individuals preventively for up to 12 months if they pose a threat to peace, communal harmony or national security. Police noted that the measure ensures the accused cannot easily secure bail and resume unlawful activities.
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Officials indicated that similar strong legal steps would be taken against other anti-social elements in Mayurbhanj to maintain peace and security. While preventive detention laws such as NSA often raise civil liberty concerns, police underlined that judicial oversight mechanisms are in place, with advisory boards reviewing detentions to ensure fairness.

The move reflects Odisha Police’s zero tolerance approach toward habitual offenders and underscores their commitment to protecting communities from repeat criminal activity.