The Odisha Police has issued a strict directive prohibiting the use of office electricity for personal purposes, including charging privately owned electric vehicles (EVs) at police stations and offices. The order also bans illegal power connections from police offices to residential quarters and barracks, warning of disciplinary action against violators.

In an official communication sent to all Police Districts, Ranges, Battalions and Heads of Police Establishments across the state, the Police Headquarters directed authorities to immediately stop the misuse of government electricity and ensure strict compliance with the instructions.

According to the circular, it has come to the notice of the Police Headquarters that in several police establishments, electricity from the main office supply is being illegally extended to residential quarters and barracks. The department also found that some personnel have been using government electricity to charge their personal electric vehicles, resulting in an avoidable financial burden on the state exchequer.

The letter further highlighted that the use of electric heaters for cooking in police barracks has significantly increased electricity consumption while also posing serious fire safety risks.

To address these issues, all heads of police establishments have been instructed to conduct immediate inspections of offices under their jurisdiction, disconnect all unauthorized power connections and prevent any unauthorized use of office electricity.

The Odisha Police has made it clear that any personnel found violating the directive will face strict disciplinary action under the applicable service rules. The move is aimed at preventing the misuse of government resources, reducing unnecessary expenditure and ensuring safe and responsible use of electricity in police establishments across the state.