SAMBALPUR: The Odisha Police are ramping up their personnel and technological capabilities to confront new types of crime, particularly focusing on cyber fraud and drug trafficking, as stated by DGP in-charge Vinaytosh Mishra on Saturday.
During the passing-out ceremony at the Basic Training Institute (BTI) in Burla, where 1,027 recruits from various battalions officially joined the police force, Mishra emphasized that the addition of these new officers would enhance the police’s ability to maintain law and order and improve public service, especially with the festive season approaching.
He also announced that another group of approximately 800 recruits would soon graduate in Jharsuguda, and he noted that the police department is actively working to fill vacancies through a phased recruitment process.
After the ceremony, Mishra led a review meeting at the Sambalpur DIG’s office to evaluate the crime rate and law enforcement situation in the Northern range. He informed reporters that addressing cybercrime and the illegal drug trade remains a top priority for the police.
Mishra highlighted that specialized cyber police stations have been established throughout Odisha, including one in Sambalpur, and personnel are being trained to handle complex online fraud investigations. He urged the public to remain vigilant while using digital platforms, advising against clicking on dubious links or engaging with unfamiliar online services.
He mentioned the implementation of the Money Restoration Module, which aids in tracking and recovering funds lost to cyber fraud. He reported that approximately 60-70 percent of the money involved has been retrieved, and efforts have been successful in returning funds to victims in nearly 90 percent of reported cases.
Additionally, drug trafficking, particularly concerning the distribution of ganja, brown sugar, and codeine-based cough syrups in western Odisha, was another critical issue addressed in the review meeting. The police have pinpointed at-risk routes and are increasing enforcement measures along these paths. Mishra noted that efforts are underway to identify networks and individuals involved in smuggling narcotics into Odisha from other states, utilizing both digital investigative techniques and legal actions.
