Amid growing concerns over brazen and careless criminal activity in the capital, the Commissionerate Police has delivered a swift and decisive response, arresting multiple accused individuals across several high-profile cases.
In just the past few days, successful operations by police stations in Nayapalli, Dhauli, and Sahid Nagar have demonstrated a marked improvement in maintaining law and order, proving that while offenders may act with temporary impunity, the long arm of the law catches up fast.
1. Extortion Bid Foiled in Nayapalli
In the Nayapalli police station jurisdiction on the night of October 4 near Krishna Petrol Pump, night-patrolling teams intercepted two intoxicated youths who were stopping a cattle-laden vehicle and demanding ₹10,000 under the false guise of being Bajrang Dal members. The complainant, Abhay Kathua, has been in the milk and dairy business in Jagannath Vihar for 26 years. He was transporting a cow and calf purchased for ₹43,000 from VSS Nagar when the incident occurred. The accused assaulted the driver and staff while harassing the animals. A breathalyser test confirmed heavy intoxication, and both suspects—Amit Kumar Panda (26) and Romya Ranjan Pradhan (24)—were promptly arrested and forwarded to court.
2. Violent Road Rage Culprit Caught in Dhauli
Under the Dhauli police station limits near the Vishal Mega Mart U-turn, a violent dispute over a bike crossing resulted in a brutal attack on Prabhat Kumar Mishra on the night of October 4. Armed with a bamboo stick and broken cement bricks, the main accused, Niranjan Sahu alias Tillu, inflicted severe head injuries that caused heavy bleeding. Acting on confidential intelligence while the suspects hid in Nuagaon Jena Sahi, police apprehended Tillu and seized the weapons. Efforts are ongoing to track down his accomplices.
3. High-Value Gold Loan Fraud Busted in Sahid Nagar
Sahid Nagar police busted a sophisticated financial scam where fraudsters used forged documents to cheat a Cuttack-based jeweller out of roughly ₹6 lakh. Complainant Bijay Khatua runs Anima Jewellers in Buxi Bazaar. The prime accused, Ranjan Kumar Behera, along with his associate Pradeep Biswal, manipulated documents to siphon ₹6,12,000 via RTGS. Pradeep was captured in Puri, and Ranjan was subsequently arrested. Police recovered ₹20,000 in cash, a motorcycle, and requested a 15-day remand upon court forwarding.
4. Fake Insurance Agent Arrested in Dhauli
In a separate Dhauli police station case, a fake insurance agent named Gourav Pattnaik was taken into custody for duping complainant Sandeep Sahu of ₹6,99,192 under the false promise of securing a Future Generali India Life Insurance policy using forged receipts. Police seized his Hyundai Verna car, fake receipts, and bank statements before forwarding him to court with a 15-day remand petition.
Comprehensive Durga Puja Security Measures
With the festive season fast approaching, the Commissionerate Police has rolled out comprehensive security arrangements for Durga Puja. Authorities estimate that approximately 193 puja mandaps will be set up across Bhubaneswar this year.
To ensure public safety, robust security protocols have been established:
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Massive Force Deployment: Over 80 platoons of police forces, one company of CAPF, and more than 300 officers will be deployed throughout the city.
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Mandatory Surveillance: CCTV installation has been made compulsory across all puja mandaps, complemented by control rooms at prominent locations.
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Undercover Operations: Plainclothes police squads will actively monitor crowds to curb incidents like chain-snatching and harassment, alongside strict traffic management systems.
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Preventive Policing: Close coordination meetings with various Puja Committees have already concluded, urging strict adherence to safety regulations.
While criminals may attempt to exploit the festive rush, the Commissionerate Police remains fully vigilant. Residents have been urged to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious activities to local authorities, reinforcing the capital’s iron-clad stance on safety and security.
