Cuttack, Oct. 6 (UDN): Odisha DGP Vinaytosh Mishra has directed district police chiefs and senior officers to take comprehensive measures to ensure the peaceful conduct of the upcoming student union elections scheduled for October 15.
The directions were issued during a high-level video conference with district Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Range IGs/DIGs at the State Police Headquarters on Tuesday.
Focus on Student Engagement
Reviewing preparations for the campus polls, Mishra described students as a sensitive community and stressed the need for regular communication between police and student leaders.
Inspectors-in-charge of police stations and Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) were instructed to personally engage with student representatives and coordinate with educational institutions to prevent tensions and maintain peace.
The DGP ordered strict monitoring to prevent outsiders and anti-social elements from entering college campuses. Police were also asked to maintain surveillance around hostels and messes and keep track of student gatherings, feasts and other election-related activities.
At the same time, Mishra cautioned against unnecessary deployment of police personnel in locations where there is no indication of potential violence.
Vigilance After Results
The DGP called for coordination meetings involving district Collectors, SPs, Sub-Collectors and college principals to ensure smooth management of the election process.
He particularly stressed heightened vigilance after the results are announced, noting that tensions could arise during the post-election period.
Women’s Safety, Cybercrime Under Review
The meeting also reviewed law and order during the festive season, women’s safety, cybercrime, crime control and the ‘Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan’.
Mishra directed officials to strengthen cyber police stations and improve the investigation of cybercrime cases and subsequent legal action.
Women’s safety was accorded top priority, with the DGP calling for prompt, impartial and effective investigation of cases involving women. Referring to a recent criminal incident involving a young woman in Bhubaneswar, he directed police officials to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure stringent action against those found guilty.
Crackdown on Drugs and Organised Crime
On overall crime control, the DGP directed police to intensify action against habitual and organised criminals and conduct regular raids and checks against illegal activities.
He also called for stronger enforcement of the NDPS Act and intensified implementation of the Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan to curb drug trafficking and dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade.
Officials were further instructed to take action against illegal cannabis cultivation in accordance with the law.
The meeting also covered implementation of the new criminal laws and strengthening police infrastructure across the state.
Senior officers from the Police Headquarters, Crime Branch, STF, Intelligence, Railways and Coastal Security, HRPC, SCRB and other wings attended the review meeting.