Bhubaneswar: With the festive season on the horizon, police in Odisha are boosting their preparations to maintain safety and order across the state. On Friday, Interim Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra held a virtual meeting with all Superintendents of Police (SPs), range Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), and Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) to pinpoint crime-prone areas and enhance police presence during the celebrations.
“We have emphasized the importance of increased vigilance due to the anticipated influx of celebrants,” Mishra stated. SPs have been tasked with thoroughly reviewing security and traffic measures. Police units are expected to increase patrols in sensitive locations, enforce crowd management at festival sites, and regulate traffic to avoid congestion.
There will be adequate personnel deployed at the identified hotspots. Mishra underscored the necessity for comprehensive security and crowd control, especially at major tourist destinations like Puri. Officials have indicated that the primary goal is to maintain public order while enabling citizens to celebrate freely.
“We anticipate heavy attendance at religious sites, tourist attractions, and picnic areas in Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar. Our focus is on ensuring the safety of tourists and facilitating smooth traffic flow,” a senior officer remarked. Special teams will monitor vulnerable areas, and traffic police will be positioned at busy intersections.
The state police headquarters has instructed the commissionerate police to implement robust security measures in Bhubaneswar, particularly due to a recent uptick in criminal activity. There is a special emphasis on reducing offenses against women. Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement and adhere to traffic guidelines.
The in-charge DGP has called for SPs to initiate operations against anti-social elements and closely monitor social media to prevent the dissemination of hate messages. “I have instructed SPs to pay particular attention to districts with communal sensitivities. Police must thwart the misuse of cyberspace by individuals attempting to incite communal tensions through provocative online content,” he stated.
Mishra highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration with local leaders and community organizations, enhancing intelligence gathering, and obtaining advance warnings about possible disturbances. He also mentioned that known offenders should be prosecuted under the National Security Act (NSA). Furthermore, all police stations have been directed to act on outstanding non-bailable warrants and apprehend fugitives.
