Bhubaneswar: Following the devastating stampede in Kolkata that resulted in over 20 fatalities and numerous injuries, Odisha Police has escalated its security protocols at Durga Puja pandals throughout the state.

Central Range Inspector General (IG) Satyajit Naik addressed reporters, mentioning that he and other senior officials, including Superintendents of Police (SPs), are personally overseeing the situation at various puja pandals. They are working closely with puja committee members, as well as officials from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal authorities, Fire Department, and Health Department to ensure all necessary safety measures are coordinated effectively to prevent any similar incidents.

Naik emphasized, “Our primary focus is on managing crowds and ensuring that devotees can participate in the puja without hassle while maintaining their safety and security.”

Regarding security arrangements in the seven districts of the Central Range—Cuttack, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Puri, Nayagarh, and Khordha—Naik stated that preparations for Durga Puja had commenced well in advance. “We held preparatory meetings with the DGP and SPs of the Central Range, and extensive security measures have been put in place, particularly prioritizing the safety of children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities,” he explained.

Additionally, he noted that teams tasked with preventing snatching and addressing harassment, dressed in plain clothes, have been deployed. A vigilant eye is also being maintained on anti-social elements across all seven districts within the Central Range.