Bhubaneswar: With student union elections and the festive season ahead, DGP Binaytosh Mishra has directed police across the state to step up vigilance against violence, crime and the drug trade, while strengthening measures for women’s safety and tackling cybercrime. The directions came at a high-level review meeting with Range IGs/DIGs and district SPs at the State Police Headquarters Monday, where law and order, student elections, women’s safety, cybercrime and crime control were among the key issues discussed. Speaking about October 15 campus polls, Mishra directed police station officers and SDPOs to maintain regular contact with student leaders and coordinate with college authorities.
Police were asked to prevent the entry of non-students and anti-social elements into campuses, monitor hostels, messes and student gatherings, and avoid unnecessary force deployment unless there was a threat of violence. He also called for coordination among Collectors, SPs, Sub-Collectors and college principals, with heightened vigilance after the results to prevent possible post-poll violence. Women’s safety remained a major focus.
Mishra directed police to ensure prompt, impartial and effective investigation of sensitive cases and ordered close monitoring of safety measures across the state. Referring to the recent criminal incident involving a young woman in Bhubaneswar, he stressed stringent action against the accused. On cybercrime, the DGP called for stronger cyber police stations and more effective investigation and legal action. He also directed police to intensify action against habitual and organised criminals through regular raids and inspections and ensure strict enforcement of the NDPS Act. Mishra further ordered stepped-up implementation of the ‘Nasha Mukt Odisha Abhiyan’, with a focus on dismantling drug trafficking networks and destroying illegal cannabis cultivation. Effective implementation of the new criminal laws and strengthening police infrastructure were also reviewed at the meeting.
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