COVID-19 Lockdown: Domestic Violence Victims Need Not Visit Police Station, Says Odisha DGP

Bhubaneswar: Odisha DGP  Abhay on Tuesday issued instructions with regard to cases of domestic violence.

Odisha Bytes had earlier in the day reported that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had expressed concern over the rise in cases of domestic violence and asked the DGP to book habitual offenders and provide necessary assistance to the complainants.

Accordingly, DGP Odisha has issued following instructions.

1. Domestic violence cases are to be given high priority. Though so far there is no noticeable increase in reporting of such cases, there is a need to remain alert.
2. Helpline telephone numbers of police stations and district control room (total 600 plus telephones) should be given wide publicity again. 
3. To lodge a complaint during the lockdown period, victims of domestic violence need not go to the police station. The police will reach the complainant upon receiving a call and also lodge an FIR if necessary. Victims can also approach the police through the Odisha Police Citizen portal  and Sahayata Mobile App.
4. All cases of domestic violence during lockdown period should be investigated by an officer not below the rank of SI.
5. All such cases should be supervised by an officer of the rank of DSP or above.
6. The Investigation Unit for Crime Against Women (IUCAW) of the district should remain extra alert and active during the lockdown period.