Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has extended financial and employment support to the family of late Home Guard Pradeep Kumar Martha, with IPS officers contributing ₹6.55 lakh to assist his wife following his death. Sanjeeb Panda, a 1994-batch IPS officer from the Odisha-cadre and DG, Anti-Naxal Operations, handed over the cheque to Martha’s wife, Urmila Martha, at a programme held at the Operations Headquarters in the presence of IGP (Operations) Deepak Kumar, a 2004-batch IPS officer from the Odisha-cadre.
Martha, who was posted as a Home Guard at the IPS Mess in Bhubaneswar, died on April 24, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital in the city.
Financial Assistance Extended to Family
The latest contribution from IPS officers adds to the assistance already provided to Martha’s family.
Support extended so far includes:
- ₹6.55 lakh: Contribution from IPS officers of Odisha
- ₹4 lakh: Ex-gratia assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
- ₹1.12 lakh: Assistance from the Retired IPS Officers’ Association
- Employment support: Appointment of Martha’s wife as a Home Guard
Urmila Martha received ₹4 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund on June 17. The following day, the Retired IPS Officers’ Association provided her with around ₹1.12 lakh, with the cheque handed over by its president L.C. Amarnathan.
Wife Appointed as Home Guard
In a further measure of support, Urmila Martha was appointed as a Home Guard under the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate on August 15, 2026.
The employment assistance is intended to provide the family with a more stable source of income following the death of Martha.
Continued Support for Deceased Personnel’s Family
The latest assistance reflects efforts by Odisha Police and members of its senior officer fraternity to support the family beyond the immediate financial aid provided after Martha’s death.
The combination of financial assistance, ex-gratia support and employment for the deceased Home Guard’s wife is expected to provide the family with greater financial stability and help it cope with the loss.
Background: Sanjeeb Panda, IPS
Sanjeeb Panda is a 1994-batch IPS officer from the Odisha-cadre who currently serves as Director General, Anti-Naxal Operations, Odisha. He holds a B.Tech degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and has held several senior policing assignments in the state.
Panda has served as Director, Intelligence, Commissioner of Police for Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, and ADG, Crime Branch, bringing extensive experience in intelligence, crime investigation and police operations.
Background: Deepak Kumar, IPS
Dr. Deepak Kumar is a 2004-batch IPS officer from the Odisha-cadre who currently serves as IGP (Operations), Odisha. He holds an MBBS degree and has served in several senior policing positions, including IGP, Home Guards and Fire Services, and IGP, North Range, Sambalpur. He was appointed IGP (Operations) in March 2025 following an Odisha Police cadre reshuffle.
