Bhubaneswar: A day after a deadly stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja led to 19 deaths, Odisha Police reviewed security and safety measures, and crowd management measures at pandals in the state.
Odisha acting DGP Vinaytosh Mishra said large crowds passing through narrow passages could lead to stampedes. Puja organisers have been directed to make adequate arrangements for the safe movement of devotees.
“When a large crowd passes through a narrow passage, there is always a possibility of a stampede-like situation. So, we have asked the puja organising committees to make arrangements for ‘dhadi darshan’ at their pandals,” Mishra said.
The top cop said that large pandals have been set up in Bhubaneswar, Kataka, Balasore and other parts of Odisha, which are attracting a huge number of people.
“We have issued strict instructions to ensure the deployment of police personnel at every pandal. Volunteers appointed by the respective puja committees will also assist the police in managing crowds and maintaining order,” he added.
“We will ensure that a large number of people are not allowed inside the pandals at one time. If someone falls inside a pandal, entry will be closed,” Mishra said.
The DGP visited Nayapalli Durga Puja mandap in Bhubaneswar and offered prayers to goddess Durga.
Today, DGP, Odisha, visited the Nayapalli Durga Puja Mandap in Bhubaneswar and offered prayers to Maa Durga. He also reviewed the traffic management and security arrangements at Puja Mandaps along with ADG, Law & Order, and DCP, Bhubaneswar, to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees during the festive celebrations.
— Odisha Police (@odisha_police) October 18, 2026
Mobile units, anti-snatching teams, anti-eve teasing squads have been deployed at key locations to prevent untoward incidents during the festivities.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Satyajit Naik appealed to the public to celebrate Durga Puja peacefully and cooperate in maintaining discipline, harmony and mutual respect.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining law and order during the festival, Naik urged people to uphold Odisha’s cultural traditions and ensure that the celebrations remained peaceful and inclusive.
Directing puja organisers to strictly adhere to guidelines issued by the administration and ensure that processions and immersion ceremonies were conducted in an orderly manner, Naik also warned against the spread of misinformation.
He urged people not to believe or circulate messages, photographs and videos without verifying their authenticity. Unverified information and provocative social media posts could create confusion, fear and tension and disturb communal harmony, he cautioned.
The senior police officer also requested people to refrain from drunken driving, reckless driving, disorderly behaviour and other activities that could endanger public safety.
“The joy of the festival should not come at the cost of public peace, safety or the rights of others,” Naik said.