Criminals Changing the Crime Profile from City to Rural Areas, Diverting Police Attention?

Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta

BERHAMPUR, June 19: Over the past several months, Berhampur city has witnessed a series of serious criminal incidents that have posed significant challenges for the police administration.

Among the major cases were the abduction and subsequent murder of a young land trader, the gang rape incident at Gopalpur-on-Sea, rape cases registered under Gosaninuagaon Police Station, the lynching of a couple, the Giri Road murder case, the Ambika Nagar murder, incidents involving “chilly powder” crimes, and, most recently, the tragic death of a minor following a minor dispute at Gounju village.

In response to the rising crime graph, Berhampur Police adopted an aggressive strategy against hardened criminals.

 A series of police encounters sent a strong warning  message to anti-social elements.

Through various channels, including social media, police conveyed a clear message that criminal activities would not be tolerated. The encounters served as a deterrent and demonstrated the administration’s resolve to maintain law and order.

To restore public confidence, police intensified foot patrolling, bike patrolling, and PCR van surveillance across the city.

 These initiatives were closely monitored by experienced officers, including ASP-I Berhampur, who is widely known for his extensive field experience and effective policing methods.

Following the brutal murder of advocate Pitabas Panda, the officer was brought back to Berhampur from Balangir with immediate effect. Having served successfully as Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) in several police stations, including postings in the state capital, he has earned a reputation for his professional approach, traffic management expertise, and crime control strategies. During his tenure at Golonthara Police Station, he was associated with multiple successful operations, including encounters against criminals.

Police sources indicate that many major cases following the Pitabas Panda murder have been directly monitored and guided by him. His vigilance over criminal movements and his ability to handle sensitive situations have earned appreciation from senior officers, including Superintendents of Police, Inspectors General, and senior officials of the Southern Range.

Residents of the Golonthara area continue to remember his tenure for proactive policing and effective crime control measures.

A notable example of his leadership was witnessed last April when the Superintendent of Police was on election duty in West Bengal. Under his supervision, Baidyanathpur Police recovered nearly 50 stolen two-wheelers. During a special programme at the police station, victims were invited to identify and collect their recovered vehicles.

The gesture significantly enhanced public trust and goodwill towards the police.

Now, with intensified police action, including five to six encounters, coordinated foot marches, and joint operations involving officers from all police stations under the leadership of Southern Range IGP Niti Shekhar and the Berhampur SP,  Dr.Sarvana Vivek criminals appear to be under tremendous pressure.

Observers believe that the sustained crackdown has forced many habitual offenders and organised criminal elements to reconsider their activities within the city limits.

As police vigilance continues to increase, there is growing speculation that some criminal groups may attempt to shift their operations towards rural areas in an effort to evade detection and divert police attention.

Whether this perceived shift represents a temporary adjustment by criminals or a larger change in the crime pattern remains to be seen. However, security experts emphasize that continued coordination between urban and rural police units will be crucial to prevent such elements from exploiting jurisdictional gaps and to ensure that the gains achieved through recent anti-crime measures are not diluted.

Crime Shifts from City to Rural Areas; Police Intensify Crackdown on Criminal Activities

Berhampur, June 19: Following extensive police action and preventive measures in Berhampur city, criminal activities appear to be shifting towards the rural belt. Police in different parts of Ganjam district have registered several serious cases, including kidnapping, assault, and a fatal road accident. Investigations are underway in all cases.

K. Nuagaon Police have arrested four persons in connection with a kidnapping and assault case registered as Case No. 132/2026 dated June 16, 2026, under Sections 126(2), 115(2), 140(1), 109(1), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to police, on June 16 at around 6:30 PM, complainant Bijaya Kumar Bisoyi was waiting for a bus at Dhanaghara to travel to Angul when the accused allegedly abducted him. The victim was reportedly assaulted with fists and kicks and taken to a crematorium near Khosabadi Road with the intention of killing him. However, he managed to escape from their clutches.

The arrested accused have been identified as:

Nigam Gouda (39), Subash Nagar, Chikitigada, PS K. Nuagaon

Sankar Gouda (26), Jugudi, PS Golanthara

Sangram Panigrahy (27), Jugudi, PS Golanthara

Amara @ Amar Nath Sahu (27), Gobinda Nagar, PS Golanthara

Police seized one knife, two Hero HF Deluxe motorcycles (Registration Nos. OD-07-H-6696 and OD-07-AM-3474), and four mobile phones from their possession.

The accused were arrested on June 17 at about 8:30 AM and forwarded to the Court of JMFC, Patrapur. Further investigation is in progress.

Jarada Police Arrest Accused in Sword Attack Case

In another incident, Jarada Police registered Case No. 209 dated June 17, 2026, under Sections 296(b), 115(2), 118(2), 109(1), 351(3), and 3(5) of the BNS, read with Section 27 of the Arms Act.

The case pertains to an attack on Santi Behera (50) of Nandigaon village by Bipin Behera (52), also of the same village, on June 17 at around 12 noon near Nandigaon School. Police said the two had a long-standing personal dispute.

The accused allegedly attacked the victim with a sword (kati), causing serious injuries.

The victim was initially treated at CHC Chikiti and later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, where he is undergoing treatment.

During the investigation, police arrested the accused and seized the sword used in the crime along with a TVS XL motorcycle (Registration No. OD-07-B-1206). The accused was produced before the JMFC, Patrapur, on June 18.

Fatal Hit-and-Run Case Registered at Berhampur Sadar Police Station

In another incident, Gagan Panigrahi (29), son of late Kalia Panigrahi of Balipada village, lodged a report at Berhampur Sadar Police Station stating that his brother, Gangadhar Panigrahi (35), was fatally injured after being hit by an unknown vehicle.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on June 18 at around 5:00 AM while Gangadhar was crossing the road on his way to take a bath. He sustained critical injuries and was immediately shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

In connection with the incident, Berhampur Sadar Police registered Case No. 390 dated June 18, 2026, under Sections 281 and 106 of the BNS.

Police have launched an investigation to trace the unidentified vehicle and ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident.

Investigation Continues

Police officials stated that investigations in all three cases are continuing, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the respective investigations.