Odisha Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra on Friday, 21 August directed police officials across the state to intensify security measures and preventive action ahead of a dense festive calendar stretching from August to November, while ordering stringent legal action against habitual and organised criminals. The directives were issued at a high-level review meeting held at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack.

Key Directives from the Review Meeting

The meeting, attended by Inspectors General and Deputy IGs of all ranges and Superintendents of Police (SPs) of all districts via video conferencing, covered the prevailing law and order situation, crime control, sensitive areas, major crimes, and police service delivery. Mishra directed police personnel to listen patiently to every complainant visiting police stations, treat them with respect, and ensure impartial and prompt investigation of complaints.

He stressed regular attendance of officers at their offices and directed Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) to regularly visit and supervise police stations under their jurisdiction. Stronger intelligence gathering to obtain advance information about possible crimes was also emphasised.

Festive Season Security Preparations

With several major festivals — including Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Janmashtami, Ganesh Puja, Nuakhai, Durga Puja, Diwali/Kali Puja, Amla Navami, Panchuka, and Bali Yatra — scheduled between August and November, the DGP called for advance security preparations to ensure their peaceful observance. Officials were directed to ensure adequate deployment at sensitive locations, effective crowd and traffic management, and regular peace committee meetings with continuous coordination among local representatives and community groups.

Mishra also called for constant vigilance in communally sensitive areas and preventive measures to avert any untoward incident.

Crackdown on Crime and Illegal Activities

On crime control, the DGP ordered increased naka checking and patrolling to curb illegal cattle transportation and illegal firecracker manufacturing. Regular raids and vehicle checks against illegal mining and mineral transportation were also mandated. Mishra directed officials to keep a close watch on rumours and provocative or misleading content circulated on social media, with prompt legal action against such activities.

Cybercrime and Public Outreach

To strengthen the fight against cybercrime, Mishra directed officials to improve the functioning of cyber police stations and make investigation of cybercrime cases more effective. District SPs were asked to visit cyber police stations once every week and review their functioning. All district SPs were further directed to regularly organise peace committee meetings, strengthen public outreach, and take preventive measures to avert possible incidents.

With Odisha's festive season among the most densely packed in eastern India, the next few months will test the state police's capacity to balance public celebration with proactive law enforcement.