Daringbadi: A historic police outpost at Budaguda village under this block in Kandhamal district, established during British colonial rule, roared back to life Tuesday, ahead of its promised Independence Day reopening. The revival of the station, shuttered since 2017, has restored law and order and rekindled local trust in the system, residents said. Once a vital security hub serving approximately 10 gram panchayats across Daringbadi, Kotagarh, and Baliguda blocks, the station was closed due to a severe shortage of personnel and escalating Maoist activity.
Threatening posters from extremists adorned its walls, and with a dwindling police presence, the outpost was locked, leaving the region vulnerable to illegal liquor operations, theft, and rising lawlessness. A new station building was later constructed but remained non-operational until now. Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harisha B.C had pledged to reopen the station by August 15 but delivered ahead of schedule. The station’s revival, marked by the deployment of a Special Armed Police unit, an officer, and home guards, was inaugurated by the SP in the presence of Baliguda Sub-Divisional Police Officer Ramendra Prasad.
The move followed years of relentless advocacy by residents, led by Sarpanch Tatura Pradhan and samiti member Shrikanta Pradhan, who repeatedly petitioned the SP and Baliguda SDPO. The station’s reopening has already curbed illegal activities that flourished in its absence, locals said. “Since the station reopened, there’s been peace,” said Tatura Pradhan. “We finally feel protected again.” Shrikanta Pradhan echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the outpost’s role in deterring crime and restoring stability.
