Crime control in Odisha’s capital city is now in the hands of 2015-batch IPS officer Dr Saravana Vivek M, who officially assumed charge as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Bhubaneswar on Friday.
After completing a successful tenure as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Brahmapur, Dr Saravana Vivek M arrived at the Police Seva Bhawan and formally took over his new responsibilities. Upon assuming office, the new DCP stated that maintaining law and order, controlling crime, strengthening women’s safety, and streamlining traffic management in the capital city will be his top operational priorities.
Predecessor’s Voluntary Retirement
The appointment follows an official notification issued by the State Home Department on September 22. Dr Saravana Vivek M succeeds 2013-batch IPS officer Jagmohan Meena in this role.
Jagmohan Meena, who had served as Bhubaneswar DCP since March 2025, tendered his resignation seeking voluntary retirement in July 2026, citing personal reasons. He clarified at the time that his decision was entirely personal and free from external or political pressure. The Union Government subsequently issued a notification accepting his resignation effective September 11, following which the state government relieved him and appointed Dr Saravana Vivek M.
Background and Track Record
Hailing from Tamil Nadu/Puducherry, Dr Saravana Vivek M earned his MBBS degree from Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in Puducherry. Driven by a desire for public service, he transitioned from medicine to law enforcement, joining the Indian Police Service in 2015.
Beginning his career in the Odisha cadre as SDPO in Malkangiri during his probation, he subsequently served as SP in Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Brahmapur. Widely known for his efficiency and proactive approach, his primary areas of focus include combating cybercrime, anti-narcotics drives, and community-centric policing. He also served as a Police Observer for the Election Commission of India during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections.
Wider Police Reshuffle
The state Home Department’s transfer order also announced key reassignments for three other IPS officers:
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Abhinav Sonkar (2019 Batch): Transferred from Dhenkanal and appointed as SP of Brahmapur.
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Mane Ajinkya Baburao (2022 Batch): Shifted from Additional SP of Paradip to take charge as SP of Dhenkanal.
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AB Shilpa (2021 Batch): Reassigned from State Police Headquarters to serve as SDPO of Bargarh.
Security experts believe that establishing strong leadership at the helm of the Bhubaneswar Police Commissionerate will prove crucial for strengthening citywide security measures ahead of the upcoming festive season.
