Bhubaneswar: In a major step to strengthen law and order, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated a state-of-the-art police station at Talabania in Puri.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated several police infrastructure projects across the state worth nearly Rs 195 crore.
CM Majhi virtually dedicated several other facilities, including the SDPO office in Balugaon (Khrda), Brahmabarada police station in Jajpur, the third battalion administrative building and armoury in Koraput, and 658 residential quarters (Type D, E & F) for police personnel in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Jajpur.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief M
inister said a strong and modern police force is the foundation of a progressive society. “Fear-free environment is the bedrock of a developed Odisha. Our goal is to build the state as one of the most peaceful and leading states in the country,” he said.
The CM directed police personnel to act as friends to the common man while remaining tough on criminals. “Police should be approachable for citizens and uncompromising against offenders. Only when the innocent live without fear and the guilty are punished can we claim to have a truly just society,” Majhi said.
The new Talabania police station features modern amenities, including ramps for specially-abled persons, barracks, conference rooms, separate rooms for suspects and witnesses, a wireless information centre, a dedicated welcome lounge, women and child help desks, and 24×7 CCTV surveillance.
Highlighting the government’s focus on police welfare, the CM noted that providing decent housing to personnel is a top priority so they can serve without domestic stress. He also praised the rising conviction rate in the state, which has reached 87.6% after the implementation of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Puri MP Sambit Patra, local MLAs, DGP Y B Khurania, and senior police officials were present on the occasion.