Odisha DGP Vinaytosh Mishra Reviews Student Elections, Women’s Safety and Crime Control

Odisha DGP Vinaytosh Mishra on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting with Range IGs/DIGs and district Superintendents of Police through video conferencing, reviewing key law-and-order and policing issues across the state.

Focus on Student Elections

The upcoming student union elections scheduled for October 15 were among the major issues discussed during the meeting. DGP Vinaytosh Mishra directed police officers to maintain regular communication with students and student leaders to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

He asked police station in-charges and SDPOs to hold meetings with student leaders and coordinate with college authorities. Police were also instructed to prevent the entry of outsiders and anti-social elements into college campuses and maintain close monitoring of hostels and messes.

The DGP advised against unnecessary deployment of police personnel unless there was a possibility of violence. He also stressed vigilance during student gatherings and events, as well as after the election results, when tensions could potentially arise.

Women’s Safety and Cybercrime

Women’s safety was given high priority during the meeting. DGP Vinaytosh Mishra directed officers to ensure swift, impartial and effective investigation of sensitive cases and take strong legal action against accused persons.

He also instructed police authorities to strengthen the functioning of cyber police stations and make the investigation and legal action in cybercrime cases more effective.

Crackdown on Crime and Drugs

The DGP directed officers to take strict action against habitual and organised criminals and intensify enforcement under the NDPS Act. Regular raids and inspections against illegal activities were also emphasised.

Under the ‘Nasha Mukt Odisha Abhiyan’, police were asked to strengthen action against drug trafficking and criminal networks. Steps were also directed to be taken to destroy illegal cannabis cultivation under the NDPS Act.

The meeting also reviewed the effective implementation of new criminal laws and the development of police infrastructure. Senior police officials, Range IGs/DIGs and district SPs participated in the meeting through video conferencing.