In a high-level review meeting held this morning at the State Police Headquarters, Odisha’s Interim Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra interacted via video conference with all Range IG/DIGs and District Superintendents of Police across the state.
The comprehensive discussion covered the current law-and-order situation, crime control strategies, identification of sensitive areas, review of major cases, delivery of better police services to the public, and various administrative issues.
DGP in-charge Mishra strongly emphasised a citizen-centric approach. He advised that every person approaching a police station with a complaint must be heard patiently, treated with dignity and courtesy, and that investigations should be impartial and time-bound. He directed officers and staff to remain present at their workplaces regularly, improve the functioning of police stations, and enhance the quality of public service. Sub-Divisional Police Officers have been instructed to conduct frequent inspections of subordinate stations to ensure effective supervision.
With a series of major festivals approaching between August and November — including Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, Janmashtami, Ganesh Puja, Nuakhai, Vishwakarma Puja, Durga Puja, Gajalaxmi Puja, Diwali/Kali Puja, Anla Navami, Panchuka and Bali Yatra — Mishra laid special stress on advance security preparedness. He ordered adequate police deployment at sensitive locations, effective crowd and traffic management, regular meetings of peace committees, and continuous coordination with local representatives and community groups. Continuous monitoring of communally sensitive areas and proactive preventive measures were also directed to avert any untoward incidents.
On the crime front, Mishra called for stringent legal action against habitual and organised criminals. He instructed intensified naka checking and patrolling to curb illegal cattle transportation and manufacturing of illegal arms, along with regular raids, vehicle checks, and prompt legal action against illegal mining and transportation of minerals.
Special attention was given to social media. Officers were told to keep a strict and continuous watch on rumours, inflammatory, objectionable, and misleading content and to take swift legal action against such propaganda. Strengthening of intelligence gathering for early information on potential crimes and disturbances was also underscored.
To tackle the rising challenge of cybercrime, Mishra directed further strengthening of Cyber Police Stations and more effective investigation of cyber cases. District SPs have been asked to personally visit Cyber Police Stations at least once a week and review their functioning.
Regular organisation of peace committee meetings, increased public contact at the local level, and proactive preventive steps to stop possible disturbances were also stressed. The DGP concluded by urging all ranks to maintain excellent coordination and communication at every level so that police efficiency and public welfare services can be further improved.
Senior officers present at the State Police Headquarters included Additional DG (Modernisation) Saumendra Priyadarshi, Additional DG (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar, Additional DG (Headquarters) Prateek Mohanty, Additional DG (HRPC) Yatindra Koel, IGP (Personnel) S. Praveen Kumar, DIG (STF) Kanwar Vishal Singh, DIG (Provisioning) Charan Singh Meena and DIG (Personnel) Yugal Kishore Kumar Banoth, along with all Range IG/DIGs and District SPs who joined through video conferencing.
