Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued a strict warning against forced ‘chanda’ collections during the festival season and directed police to take immediate action against those involved in extortion.
The warning comes amid reports of alleged extortion incidents in different parts of the state.
In Jajpur district, a contractor was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths who reportedly demanded festival donations and extorted ₹3.5 lakh from him.
In another incident in Bhubaneswar, a young man was reportedly attacked with a sword after refusing to pay extortion money. The incident has raised concerns over the enforcement challenges faced by police in preventing forced collections during the festive season.
The Chief Minister has directed authorities to take firm action against anyone found using threats, force or intimidation to collect festival donations.
The government has emphasised that voluntary contributions for festivals cannot be allowed to become a means of coercion or extortion, and offenders will face action under the law.
-OdishaAge
