54 Communal Riots, 7 Mob Lynchings in Odisha Since June 2024, CM Majhi Tells Assembly
New Delhi: Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday informed the state assembly that 54 incidents of communal riots and seven cases of mob lynching were reported in the state since June 2024.
In a written reply to a question from Biju Janata Dal MLA Goutam Buddha Das, Majhi told the assembly that Balasore recorded the highest number of communal riot cases at 24, followed by 16 incidents in Khurda district, which includes the state capital Bhubaneswar.
He said nearly 300 people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in these riots. However, chargesheets have been filed in less than half of the cases, according to the reply.
On mob lynchings, the chief minister said that three incidents took place in Rayagada district for which 48 people were arrested, while two such incidents were reported from Dhenkanal district No arrests have been made in the Dhenkanal incident, Majhi said.
Deogarh and Balasore districts reported one case of mob lynching each, for which the state police has arrested six and seven people respectively, Majhi added.
“Steps have been taken to prevent communal riots and mob lynching incidents and peace committees formed in various places for the purpose. Efforts are being made by the local administration to maintain harmony among communities. Action is being taken against those who are trying to disturb peace and harmony by collecting secret information,” the chief minister said.
He added that intelligence gathering has been strengthened and action is being taken against people attempting to disturb public order.
An Indian Express report pointed out that Majhi’s reply skipped mentioning the communal attacks reported in Cuttack last year during Durga Puja festivities. The communal clashes in October 2025 had prompted authorities to impose a three-day long curfew in the state and suspend internet services.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-linked outfit Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had announced a city-wide strike after violence broke out during Durga idol immersions on October 4, 2025.
Critics say that the Mohan Majhi government has been struggling to control Hindutva groups accused of attacking minority community members since the BJP came to power in the state.
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