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 law and order, crime control and policing arrangements during a high-level meeting with senior officers, with 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 in the coming weeks and months, the DGP instructed police authorities to prepare security plans in advance rather than relying only on arrangements closer to individual events.
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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.
- Stronger 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 accelerate criminal investigations.
Mishra directed officers to intensify efforts towards creating a ‘Nisha Mukta Odisha’, (Drug-Free Odisha) while also strengthening action against organised and habitual offenders.
Cybercrime monitoring was another priority, with officials asked to improve investigation and ensure cases are processed quickly. The DGP has previously identified women’s safety, organised crime, drug control and cyber offences among the key priorities for the Odisha Police under his tenure as DGP-in-charge.
Police Preparedness for a Busy Festival Period
The emphasis on advance deployment comes as Odisha expects increased public movement, traffic and large gatherings during the festive period. Police authorities have consequently been asked to coordinate with local administrations and communities to ensure celebrations remain peaceful and orderly.
The review is part of the Odisha Police’s broader focus on preventive policing, faster investigations and stronger coordination between field-level officers ahead of the festival season.
Senior Officials Attend the Review
The meeting was attended by 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.
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