Donation / No More Forced Chanda: Bhubaneswar Police Crackdown ahead of Festivities

Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: With the festive season approaching, Commissionerate Police has issued a stern warning against forced collection of donations, commonly known as chanda.

While voluntary contributions remain a tradition during puja celebrations, authorities have made it clear that coercion, intimidation, or extortion in the name of chanda will not be tolerated.

Reports of shopkeepers being handed receipt books, vehicles stopped on roads, and citizens pressured to pay have prompted police to tighten vigilance.

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“Anyone found threatening or forcibly collecting money will face strict legal action,” officials stated. To ensure smooth festivities, police will keep a close watch on puja mandaps, busy marketplaces, and traffic junctions.

Citizens have been urged to report harassment through a toll-free number or by dialing 112, enabling immediate intervention. The move aims to protect the joy of celebrations from being overshadowed by unlawful practices.

Interestingly, puja committees across the capital have welcomed the police initiative. Representatives emphasized their commitment to following government and police guidelines every year — whether in donation collection, traffic management, or security arrangements.

“We do not want the reputation of entire committees to be tarnished by a few incidents,” one organizer said, urging all members to remain vigilant and responsible.

To further strengthen safety, police have appealed to committees to install CCTV cameras at mandaps and deploy adequate volunteers. These measures, combined with public cooperation, are expected to ensure a secure and orderly festive atmosphere.