Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police Service Association has taken a strong exception to the comment of Leader of Opposition Jayanarayan Mishra on Odisha Police and demanded him to refrain from issuing such statements.
Speaking at a presser in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, the association’s president Ratikant Mishra said the entire police force should not be blamed for the mistake of a lone policeman. The BJP leader’s statement was unwanted and did not reflect the efficiency of Odisha Police, he added.
Mishra further said, “Odisha Police holds an unblemished record of working without prejudice and is known for its efficiency and determination in solving several major cases. Be it operation against armed Maoists or fighting against narcotic smugglers or extending protection to VIPs, Odisha Police has always maintained a high standard of integrity and commitment.”
“We are not against criticism for our mistakes. But we expect positive criticism from senior leaders of the state so that we can improve our efficiency. The comments of the BJP leader would not only put the image of Odisha Police in bad light but also demoralise its personnel,” he added.
In order not to further harm the morale of the police, Mishra said the Leader of Opposition should refrain from issuing such objectionable statements in future.
It may be noted that the Leader of Opposition, in his reaction to the murder of minister Naba Das, had said he did not trust Odisha Police. “I do not trust Odisha Police. I am upset with the manner in which they are working. Protective Service Officers (PSO) are of no use. They belong to Odisha Police. I do not trust them,” he said.
