Bhubaneswar: Ten members of a dacoity gang arrested by Sambalpur police on Wednesday have been booked under the newly-introduced organised crime sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). According to sources in Odisha police, this is the first case of organised crime registered under BNS in the state since its launch on July 1.
Organised crime broadly comes under section 111 of the BNS.Any continuing unlawful activity including kidnapping, robbery, vehicle theft, extortion, land grabbing, contract killing, economic offence, cyber crimes, trafficking of persons, drugs, weapons or illicit goods or services and human trafficking for prostitution or ransom have been categorised as organised crime.
Three of the accused have been booked under 111(2)(b) of BNS whereas others charged under 111(4) BNS. Both the sections attract a minimum punishment of five years that may extend to life imprisonment along with fine of Rs 5 lakh.
Inspector general of police (IGP), northern range, Himanshu Lal said the maiden registration of organised crime under the new law would serve as a deterrence to tackle such serious offences in the state in future.
“We found during investigations that the gang was involved in a series of dacoity cases in different districts in Odisha. This case was fit to be tried under the organised crime law. This will instill a sense of fear among other dacoits,” Lal said.
The state police headquarters said the development underscores the cops’ commitment to combating organised criminal activities and sending a strong message to potential offenders.
“After introduction of organised crime in BNS, we have asked police in all districts to invoke the law to take on criminals,” a senior police officer said.

We also published the following articles recently