In a move to protect law and order in the region, Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra chaired a high-level review meeting at the Commissionerate Police headquarters in Bhubaneswar today.
The comprehensive session focused on evaluating the current law and order situation, crime control strategies, and the overall policing framework of the Bhubaneswar-Kataka Commissionerate Police.
The extensive agenda covered a wide spectrum of critical issues, including the enforcement of the NDPS Act, crimes against women and children, traffic management, and the implementation of new criminal laws.
With the State Legislative Assembly session approaching, DGP Mishra emphasized the need for advanced intelligence and preparedness to manage potential agitations, dharnas, and gheraos by various organizations.
Looking ahead to the three-month-long festive season, the DGP directed officials to remain highly vigilant against criminal elements. He stressed the importance of proactive planning to ensure a peaceful and safe environment during the celebrations. Specific instructions were issued for adequate police deployment, crowd and traffic control, and convening peace committee meetings. Given the sensitivity of certain areas in Kataka during festivals, the DGP ordered continuous monitoring and the readiness of rapid response forces.
A major highlight of the meeting was the crackdown on organized crime and narcotics. The DGP called for strict legal action against habitual offenders and robust enforcement of the NDPS Act. He directed the police to intensify the ‘Nishamukta Odisha’ (Drug-Free Odisha) campaign by conducting regular raids to dismantle illegal drug networks and smuggling routes.
Addressing the rising menace of digital fraud, DGP Mishra issued strict orders to monitor cybercrimes and the use of “mule accounts.” Officers were instructed to identify suspicious bank accounts used in criminal activities, register relevant cases at Cyber and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) police stations, and conduct coordinated investigations to break down cybercriminal networks.
To enhance the efficacy and transparency of police work, the meeting highlighted the need for:
- Effective implementation of new criminal laws.
- Increased use of forensic science and scientific investigation methods, including advanced fingerprint collection.
- Strengthening digital processes like e-summons and e-signatures.
- Mandatory use of body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras by police personnel.
Furthermore, a review of police infrastructure and ongoing projects in Bhubaneswar and Kataka was conducted. The DGP also reviewed the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) and fleet management, stressing the need for immediate improvements where necessary.
Concluding the meeting, DGP Mishra urged senior officers to maintain excellent coordination with the public. He mandated regular inspections at the police station level, prompt hearing of public grievances, and a continuous upgrade in the quality of crime investigation and police service delivery.
The high-level meeting witnessed the participation of top brass, including ADG (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar, Commissioner of Police (Bhubaneswar-Kataka) Dr. Debadatta Singh, IGP (EOW, STF) Himanshu Kumar Lal, IGP (Intelligence) Satyabrata Bhoi, IGP (SCRB) Awinash Kumar, IGP (Crime Branch) Sarthak Sarangi, DCP (Kataka) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, and DCP (Bhubaneswar) Jagmohan Meena, along with other senior officials.
