Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has directed police and administrative officials to intensify action against habitual offenders, strengthen surveillance and crack down on the illegal drug trade as part of efforts to improve law and order across the state.
The Chief Minister issued the directions during a high-level law-and-order review meeting at the ‘Sankalp’ auditorium at Lok Sevak Awas in Patna on Friday. He stressed the need for effective crime control, stronger police accountability and improved public safety.
Police To Prepare District-Wise, Station-Wise Criminal Lists
The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare district-wise and police station-wise lists of criminals to help police identify offenders and take targeted action.
He also called for the appropriate use of provisions under the Crime Control Act (CCA) against habitual offenders and anti-social elements, wherever necessary.
Officials were asked to ensure that investigations are completed efficiently and that prosecution is strengthened so cases can be pursued effectively in court.
The review also emphasised identifying sensitive areas and increasing police patrolling, surveillance and visible presence to prevent criminal activity and maintain public order.
Stronger Action Against Illegal Drug Trade
The Chief Minister directed officials to intensify action against people involved in the illegal trade in narcotic substances.
He stressed better coordination among the agencies responsible for tackling the problem and called for a clear action plan to prevent illegal drug-related activities.
Economic offences were also discussed during the meeting. Officials were instructed to take strict legal action against those who acquire property or financial benefits through illegal means and to strengthen prosecution in such cases.
Cybercrime Monitoring And Helpline 1930
Cybercrime prevention was another major focus of the review.
The Chief Minister directed officials to strengthen monitoring through district-level social media surveillance and cybercrime centres. He also called for wider publicity of helpline 1930, which people can use to report cybercrime-related complaints.
For sensitive cases involving social media, District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) were directed to respond within two hours, with headquarters-level monitoring to ensure timely action.
The instructions also emphasised responding promptly to online content that could affect public order, in accordance with applicable law.
STF Modernisation And Emergency Response
The meeting reviewed measures to strengthen police capacity, including the proposed restructuring of district riot-control units and the modernisation of the Special Task Force (STF).
The Chief Minister also called for improvements in emergency police response through Dial-112, with officials asked to work towards reducing response times further.
The reported average response time in Bihar was around 11 minutes, compared with a stated national average of approximately 17 minutes. These figures were discussed in the context of improving emergency services.
Action Against Exam Malpractice
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that competitive examinations are conducted fairly and without malpractice.
He called for strict legal action against people involved in irregularities that undermine the integrity of examinations.
The meeting also covered public-order issues, including disturbances caused by objectionable songs, with officials asked to take action under applicable laws where violations occur.
Better Facilities For Women Police Personnel
The Chief Minister stressed the need to improve facilities and working conditions for women police personnel.
The broader review focused on making the police administration more responsive and better equipped to handle crime, maintain public order and address citizens’ complaints.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary attended the meeting along with Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Director General of Police Preety Verma and Home Department Principal Secretary Pankaj Kumar.
Other senior officials included the Chief Minister’s secretaries Lokesh Kumar Singh and Sanjay Kumar Singh, Special Branch DGP Kundan Krishnan, Vigilance DGP J.S. Gangwar and Prohibition DGP N.K. Azad.
The directions covered criminal monitoring, cybercrime, illegal drug networks, economic offences, emergency response and examination security. Their implementation will depend on follow-up action by the police and district administration across Bihar.
