Bhubaneswar: As the spring season’s festivities approach, an atmosphere of celebration is set to sweep across the state in the coming days. Upcoming festivals include Dola Purnima—March 3, Holi— March 4, Eid-ul-Fitr— March 21, Ram Navami— March 27, and Hanuman Jayanti, along with Maha Vishuba Sankranti April 14. In view of these occasions, the state police have placed top priority on ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
A high-level review meeting was held at the State Police Headquarters under the chairmanship of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania here Friday. The meeting, conducted virtually, focused on maintaining law and order and ensuring that all festivals are celebrated in a disciplined and peaceful environment. During the meeting, Khurania issued clear instructions to senior officers to make extensive security arrangements across the state. He emphasised strict monitoring of social media platforms to prevent the spread of rumours, misinformation, and provocative content.
District cyber cells have been advised to conduct round-the-clock monitoring of various social media platforms to curb any attempts to disturb communal harmony. The DGP also directed all district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to intensify police patrolling in sensitive areas, conduct strict checking drives, and ensure adequate security during religious processions. Instructions were given to install CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations, gather intelligence inputs, form peace committees, and hold coordination meetings with various community groups and local public representatives. Action against habitual offenders has also been prioritised. Additionally, strict measures will be taken against drunk driving and traffic violations.
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Police have been directed to enforce regulations against DJ noise pollution, identify rumour mongers, and provide special security arrangements during foot marches and bike rallies. The DGP stressed that all districts must remain fully prepared to deal with any untoward incidents. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Additional DGP (Modernisation) Saumendra Priyadarshi, Additional DGP (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, IGP (Personnel) S. Praveen Kumar, DIG (Provisioning) Charan Singh Meena, and DIG (Personnel) Yugal Kishore Kumar Banoth. All Range IGs/DIGs and district SPs also participated virtually in the review meeting.
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