Law and Order / DGP Reviews Law and Order in Central Range ahead of Festivals

Kataka, Sept 8: A high-level review meeting on law and order, crime control, and policing arrangements in Odisha’s Central Range districts was held Tuesday at the State Police Headquarters under the chairmanship of Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra.

The meeting focused on overall law and order conditions, control of serious crimes such as murder, theft, dacoity, and robbery, reduction of road accident fatalities, crackdown on excise-related offences, and steps towards building a “Nishamukta Odisha.”

Discussions also covered cybercrime prevention, expediting investigations, timely filing of charge sheets, and improving conviction rates.

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Highlighting the importance of the Central Range, which covers several sensitive districts, DGP Mishra emphasized advance planning for upcoming festivals including Ganesh Puja, Nuakhai, Vishwakarma Puja, Durga Puja, Gajalakshmi Puja, Diwali/Kali Puja, Anla Navami, Panchuka, and Bali Jatra. He directed district SPs to ensure peaceful, orderly, and secure celebrations.

The DGP stressed adequate police deployment at sensitive locations, crowd management, and smooth traffic regulation. He advised organizing peace committee meetings and maintaining close coordination with local representatives, community leaders, and organizations.

Regular monitoring of communally sensitive areas and proactive preventive measures were underscored to avert untoward incidents.

DGP Mishra also highlighted the importance of strong police-public relations. He instructed station officers to frequently visit their jurisdictions, interact with residents and representatives, and address grievances related to law and order.

SDPOs were directed to regularly inspect police stations, review case progress, and monitor service delivery.

To strengthen crime control, the DGP ordered strict surveillance of habitual and organized criminals, firm action against illegal cattle transport, mineral extraction, and smuggling. He emphasized intensified naka checking, patrolling, raids, and vehicle inspections.

Mishra further directed vigilance on social media to counter rumours, provocative content, and misinformation. He called for strengthening intelligence gathering to anticipate crimes and law-and-order issues, enabling swift preventive action.

Concluding the meeting, the DGP urged all levels of the force — from police stations to district and range headquarters — to maintain coordination, communication, and teamwork, executing duties with dedication and responsibility to ensure public safety during the festive season.