Bhubaneswar: Odisha DGP-in-charge Vinaytosh Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre, has directed police officials to strengthen security arrangements and maintain strict vigilance ahead of the state’s extended festive season.
Mishra reviewed the law-and-order situation, crime control measures and overall policing arrangements during a high-level meeting with senior officers. The meeting placed particular emphasis on advance planning for major festivals and maintaining peace in sensitive areas.
Focus on Festival Security and Crowd Management
With several major festivals scheduled over the coming weeks and months, the DGP instructed police authorities to prepare security plans well in advance rather than relying solely on arrangements made closer to individual events.
Key directions included:
- Adequate deployment of police personnel at sensitive locations.
- Effective crowd and traffic management during major festivals.
- Regular peace committee meetings and coordination with local communities.
- Close monitoring of communally sensitive areas and potential law-and-order situations.
- Strengthening intelligence gathering and preventive policing.
The upcoming festival calendar includes Ganesh Puja, Nuakhai, Vishwakarma Puja, Durga Puja, Gajalaxmi Puja, Diwali/Kali Puja, Amla Navami, Panchuka and Bali Yatra.
Crime, Drugs and Cybercrime Also Under Review
The meeting also reviewed measures to control serious crimes, reduce road-accident fatalities, tackle narcotics and expedite criminal investigations.
Mishra directed officers to intensify efforts towards creating a “Nisha Mukta Odisha” (Drug-Free Odisha) while strengthening action against organised and habitual offenders.
Cybercrime monitoring was another key priority. Officials were directed to improve investigations and ensure that cases are processed expeditiously.
The DGP has previously identified women’s safety, organised crime, drug control and cyber offences among the key priorities for the Odisha Police during his tenure as DGP-in-charge.
Police Preparedness for Busy Festival Period
The emphasis on advance deployment comes as Odisha is expected to witness increased public movement, traffic and large gatherings during the festive period.
Police authorities have consequently been directed to coordinate closely with local administrations and communities to ensure that celebrations remain peaceful and orderly.
The review forms part of the Odisha Police’s broader focus on preventive policing, faster investigations and stronger coordination among field-level officers ahead of the festival season.
Senior Officials Attend the Review
The meeting was attended by several senior police officials, including ADG (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar; Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Dr. Dev Datta Singh (IPS: 1998, Odisha); IGP (EOW & STF) Himanshu Kumar Lal (IPS: 2003, Odisha); IGP (Intelligence) Satyabrata Bhoi (IPS: 2004, Odisha); IGP (SCRB) Awinash Kumar (IPS: 2007, Odisha); IGP (Crime Branch) Sarthak Sarangi (IPS: 2007, Odisha); DCP Cuttack Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo (IPS: 2016, Odisha); and DCP Bhubaneswar Jagmohan Meena (IPS: 2013, Odisha), along with other senior officers.
