The three-day-long 71st Odisha State Police Duty Meet concluded today at the Reserve Police Ground in Buxi Bazar, Kataka. The valedictory ceremony featured Odisha Minister for Law, Works, and Excise, Prithiviraj Harichandan, as the chief guest. He inspected a colorful parade, took the salute, and presented awards to the winning participants.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Harichandan underscored that professional competitions boost confidence, sharpen skills, and motivate police personnel to excel. Recognising hard work encourages officers to serve with double the enthusiasm, he noted. He commended the service, sacrifice, and dedication of police personnel who prioritise public safety under challenging conditions while staying away from their families.
The Minister highlighted that the nature and tactics of crime are evolving rapidly. To tackle contemporary challenges such as cybercrime, financial fraud, organised crime, and drug trafficking, the police force must equip itself with state-of-the-art technology, high technical competence, and strong morale. He stressed the pivotal role played by Odisha Police and the Crime Branch in achieving a crime-free, drug-free, and safe Odisha.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra stated that the Duty Meet serves as an essential platform to upgrade investigation standards. He noted that the application of scientific investigation techniques, forensic science, and modern technology significantly helps identify culprits and improves conviction rates.
This year, 319 participants ranging from Constables to Inspectors from various districts and police establishments participated in the meet. Competitions were held across multiple disciplines, including forensic science, forensic medicine and toxicology, fingerprint analysis, photography, computer awareness, cybercrime, technical surveillance, criminal law and procedure, crime scene inspection, and evidence collection, packaging, and dispatch. The top performers from this event will represent Odisha Police at the All India Police Duty Meet.
DGP Mishra emphasised the necessity of advanced training for sensitive cases, especially those involving women and children under the POCSO Act. He shared that the Crime Branch has been organizing training camps and workshops to enhance investigation quality and will introduce expanded training modules in the coming days.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Inspector General of Police (Crime Branch), Dr. Sarthak Sarangi. Numerous senior police officials, along with retired officers, attended the valedictory function.
