Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the student union elections scheduled for October 15, Odisha Director General of Police (DGP-in-charge) Vinaytosh Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre, has directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) and range IGs/DIGs to take proactive measures to prevent violence on college and university campuses across the state.
During a high-level review meeting held via video conference on Saturday, Mishra assessed security arrangements and the law-and-order situation at educational institutions. He instructed police officers to ensure peaceful elections, maintain campus security and prevent violence both during and after the polling process.
Mishra emphasised that police personnel should focus on preventive measures rather than responding only after an untoward incident occurs. He also directed officers to maintain regular communication with college authorities and closely monitor sensitive locations and situations that could lead to tension or protests.
Odisha Police Reviews Campus Security Ahead of October 15 Elections
With student union elections approaching, the Odisha Police has stepped up its focus on maintaining law and order across colleges and universities. During the review meeting, the DGP (in-charge) examined the security preparations and directed senior officers to take appropriate steps to avoid clashes and disturbances.
The meeting focused on ensuring that students can participate in the election process in a peaceful environment and that educational institutions remain free from violence.
Key directions issued during the meeting include:
- Ensure peaceful student union elections across Odisha.
- Prevent violence and clashes on college and university campuses.
- Maintain law and order before, during and after polling.
- Assess sensitive situations and identify potential trouble spots.
- Deploy police forces wherever necessary.
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DGP Stresses Preventive Policing to Avoid Campus Violence
Vinaytosh Mishra stressed the importance of taking precautionary measures in advance instead of waiting for an incident to occur. He asked police officers to identify potential sources of tension and take timely action to prevent disturbances.
He also directed officers to remain in regular contact with college and university authorities to monitor developments and respond quickly to emerging concerns.
The police have been asked to keep a close watch on locations where tensions, demonstrations or other activities could disrupt the election process.
Special Focus on Sensitive Colleges and Universities
As part of the security review, officers were instructed to assess sensitive situations associated with student elections and determine the level of security required at different educational institutions.
The deployment of police personnel will be based on local requirements and the assessment of potential law-and-order challenges. Officers have also been asked to take necessary steps to prevent post-election violence, ensuring that peace is maintained even after the results are declared.
The main priorities are:
- Identify sensitive campuses and potential flashpoints.
- Assess local law-and-order requirements.
- Deploy adequate police personnel as needed.
- Maintain coordination with educational institution authorities.
- Prevent disturbances during and after the elections.
Senior Police Officials Attend High-Level Review Meeting
Several senior police officials attended the video-conference meeting to review preparations for the upcoming student union elections.
Those present included Director of Intelligence RP Koche, ADG SAP Rajesh Kumar, Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola, all range IGs/DIGs and district Superintendents of Police.
The meeting was aimed at ensuring coordination among senior officers and district police units so that preventive measures could be implemented effectively across the state.
Odisha Police Focuses on Peaceful Conduct of Student Elections
The directions come ahead of the October 15 student union elections, with the Odisha Police prioritising campus safety and the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
By strengthening preventive policing, monitoring sensitive areas and maintaining coordination with educational institutions, the police administration aims to minimise the risk of violence and ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully across Odisha.
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