Rising Crime in Brahmapur: What Is Happening to the Silk City? SevenPolice Stations, Yet Almost Daily Reports of Murder, Attempted Murder and Assault(!!!)
Recent POCSO Witness Intimidation Case Raises Serious Questions Over Public Safety and Law Enforcement
By Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta
Brahmapur, Sunday, November 9, 2026:Brahmapur, popularly known as the Silk City of Odisha, is increasingly witnessing reports of serious criminal incidents, including murder, attempted murder, physical assaults, armed threats and other violent offences. The frequency of such incidents has raised serious concerns among residents about public safety, law and order, and the effectiveness of crime prevention in the city.
With only six police stations serving the Brahmapur Police District’s urban areas, questions are being raised about whether the existing policing arrangements, personnel strength and preventive measures are adequate to address the growing challenges of urban crime.
A recent incident registered at Bada Bazar Police Station has once again brought the issue of public safety into focus.
According to police, in Bada Bazar P.S. Case No. 859 dated November 7, 2026, accused Rajanan Patra alias Ladu (24), a resident of Shastri Nagar, Brahmapur, was arrested for allegedly threatening a complainant and intimidating witnesses to force the withdrawal of an earlier POCSO case.
The complainant alleged that on November 6, while returning home after closing his shop, he was intercepted near Shalia Bandh by the accused and others. They allegedly brandished a sword and threatened him and his family with serious consequences unless the case involving his minor child was withdrawn and witnesses were removed from the proceedings.
Police registered the case under Sections 126(2), 232(1), 351(3) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, read with Sections 25(1B)(b) and 27 of the Arms Act. The accused was arrested in the early hours of November 8 and forwarded to the court of the SDJM, Brahmapur.
The incident is particularly disturbing because alleged threats against complainants and witnesses in a POCSO case can seriously undermine the administration of justice and the protection of vulnerable victims.
