The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday directed the Odisha government to examine allegations of acute police manpower shortage and inadequate infrastructure in Jeypore town, located in Koraput district. The commission has asked for an action-taken report within eight weeks.
Complaint by Human Rights Activist
The directive came after the NHRC considered a complaint filed by Anup Kumar Patro, a human rights activist and advocate based in Jeypore. In a communication issued on June 18 to the chief secretary, the NHRC stated that the complaint was being forwarded to the competent authority for appropriate action.
The commission directed that the authority concerned must take appropriate action within eight weeks, involving the complainant or victim, and inform them of the action taken.
Details of the Complaint
Patro's complaint highlighted a persistent shortage of police personnel in Jeypore Town, Jeypore Sadar, and Women police stations. Citing data from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), he claimed that Odisha's police-to-population ratio, which ranges between 80 and 133 personnel per lakh, remains below the national average and the United Nations-recommended benchmark of 222 per one lakh.
The petition argued that the shortage of personnel and lack of modern infrastructure have implications not only for policing but also for human rights. It alleged that inadequate housing facilities, poor living conditions, and excessive workload affect the dignity and welfare of police personnel, while insufficient investigative resources compromise citizens' access to effective and timely investigation.
Impact on Residents
The complaint further contended that inadequate police strength in Jeypore, a major urban centre of Koraput district, has left residents vulnerable to crime and weakened the delivery of policing services. It also alleged that the state failed to establish adequate welfare mechanisms and improve working conditions in line with Supreme Court directives on police reforms.
Action Sought
Seeking intervention, Patro urged the NHRC to direct the chief secretary and director general of police to provide details of sanctioned and actual manpower in the three police stations, take steps to fill vacancies, and conduct an inquiry into police housing and infrastructure across Koraput district.
