Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s DGP (in-charge) Vinaytosh Mishra on Wednesday issued a stern warning to criminal syndicates and organised gangs operating in the state, asserting that the police force is fully prepared to tackle modern security challenges and make the ultimate sacrifice to maintain law and order.
Addressing the historic significance of 67th Police Commemoration Day, which honours personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty since 1958, the DGP reflected on India’s internal security milestones, noting how security forces successfully countered terrorism in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as left-wing extremism. While noting that Maoist-related violence has seen a significant decline across the country and within Odisha, he emphasised that the state’s focus has now shifted toward combating crime and organised syndicates.
Drawing a parallel to notorious crime networks such as the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, the DGP warned that modern criminal groups equipped with sophisticated arms will face a robust and unyielding police response. “As organised criminals possess arms and armaments, you have heard of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, we are prepared to give a fitting reply to their methods, and if necessary, we are even ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.”
Reiterating the force’s resolve, he added, “I want to inform you all that the Odisha Police is capable of handling every challenge and is always ready for your service.”
Transitioning to the law enforcement during the state’s festive calendar, the DGP expressed deep satisfaction with the multi-layered security arrangements and police deployment, particularly in the twin citeis of in Kataka and Bhubaneswar. He extended gratitude to police personnel for their dedicated service on duty, while also thanking the general public for cooperating fully.
Acknowledging the coordination between puja committees, peace committees, and district administrations, the DGP noted that despite traditional local sensitivities and historical disputes in certain pockets, proactive deployment and strategy ensured peaceful celebrations. “With Maa Durga’s grace, the overall picture of peace and order has been very encouraging. Police forces are on high alert across every region, interacting closely with the public and receiving complete cooperation,” he remarked.
Addressing public safety concerns regarding celebrations, the DGP issued clear directives regarding the use of DJ systems and vehicle modifications during processions. Stressing that unauthorised modifications to vehicles violate Motor Vehicle laws, he warned of strict penal action against violators.
Urging puja committees and organisers to steer clear of high-decibel sound systems, he appealed to the public to celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly and socially responsible manner. “I earnestly request all puja committee members not to hire DJs. Let us celebrate in a sound-pollution-free, clean, and environmentally friendly way,” the DGP concluded.
Bhubaneswar Steps Up Security Measures
Ahead of the immersion ceremony of the Dussehra festival, the police in the Odisha capital have stepped up security arrangements and issued a strict warning against the use of DJ vehicles in immersion processions. Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M. said criminal cases would be registered against both vehicle owners and organisers if DJ vehicles are found participating in the processions. The DCP said all puja committees had been clearly informed about the ban. Instructions have also been circulated to all Inspectors-in-Charge and Zonal Assistant Commissioners of Police to ensure strict enforcement. “Multiple meetings have been conducted with the organisers, and it has been clearly communicated that if any DJ vehicle joins the procession, a criminal case will definitely be registered,” the DCP said.
Elaborate arrangements have been made at six major idol immersion locations under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation area, along with designated locations in rural areas.
The DCP said special rescue units and emergency response arrangements had been put in place to handle any crowd-related exigencies. Cranes and lighting facilities have also been arranged, as immersion activities are expected to continue throughout the night. He expressed confidence that the celebrations and immersion processions would proceed smoothly with the cooperation of the public.
Meanwhile, security arrangements have been made at nine locations where ‘Ravan Podi’ events are scheduled to take place. Senior police officers have been assigned responsibility for each location to ensure proper management and public safety.
According to the DCP, a minimum distance of 100 metres has been prescribed between the designated restricted zone and the nearest point from where spectators can watch the events. Each Ravan Podi venue will have a fire tender and special rescue units equipped to manage crowds and respond to emergencies. Police personnel have also been deployed and mobilised at each location according to security requirements.
Police have urged the public and event organisers to cooperate with the authorities and follow safety instructions to ensure peaceful and incident-free celebrations.
Three Routes For Immersion Procession In Bhubaneswar
Four routes of Bhubaneswar have been earmarked for the immersion procession of Goddess Durga, due to which the Commissionerate Police imposed a ban on the movement of vehicles. The immersion procession of Goddess Durga is scheduled for October 22. The four routes correspond to the Bhubaneswar Bhasani Festival Samiti-Shahid Nagar, Rajdhani Mandir Suraka Bhasani Samiti-Nayapalli, Uttar Bhubaneswar Bhasani Samiti-Chandrashekharpur, and Old Town Bhasani Samiti.
During this period, vehicle movement has been prohibited on specific roads under relevant provisions of the Odisha Urban Police Act and related traffic regulations, from 2 pm to 1 am.All the medhas of Shaheed Nagar Bhasani Samiti will congregate at Shaheed Nagar and proceed through Rajmahal Chowk via Ram Mandir Chowk and Master Canteen Chhak. No vehicles are allowed to ply on Janpath road during the procession; they can use Sachivalay Marg and its adjoining roads. Similarly, medhas of Nayapalli Bhasani Samiti will congregate at Nayapalli and proceed through Soor Company Chowk via Nayapalli Underpass, CRP Chhak, DAV Chhak, and take a right turn to Gopabandhu Chowk and Siripur Chhak. Vehicles coming from CRP. Chhak towards Kataka will be diverted towards Jayadev Vihar via Ekamra Park Road. Medhas of Chandrasekharpur Bhasani Samiti will congregate at Damna Chhak and proceed through Nalco Chhak. Vehicles coming towards Jaydev Square from Nandankanan Square can use connecting roads at KIIT Square or Kalarahanga Square.
Heavy vehicles and buses coming towards Bhubaneswar from the Khordha side are not allowed to ply on the service road and must use only the flyover. Other individual immersion processions by various puja committees are also scheduled on different roads of the city.
Designated immersion sites include two locations near the river Kuakhai on both sides (one at Palasuni and the other at Hanspal), near Daya river at Lingipur (Puri road), near river Kuakhai at Basuaghai on Tankapani road, near Centurion University close to KIIT campus under Jatani Municipal Corporation, a temporary site made by Chandaka Gram Panchayat near NIT, and sites at Kusabhadra river and other temporary locations under Balipatna police limits and Bhingarpur Gram Panchayat, including a temporary pond at Ramchandrapur near the canal.
The regulations shall not apply to police, fire brigade, excise, ambulance, and other emergency vehicles. The Commissionerate Police has requested the public to plan their routes accordingly, noting that the immersion locations are expected to experience heavy traffic congestion and advising people to avoid these routes where possible.