Bhubaneswar: The 70th State Police Duty Meet, aimed at enhancing the operational and investigative skills of police personnel from Constable to Inspector ranks, was inaugurated on Thursday at the Reserve Police Ground in Cuttack. Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania formally inaugurated the event in the forenoon.
A total of 282 participants from 34 police districts across Odisha, along with 43 police dogs (K-9 units) and their handlers, are taking part in the competition. The participants include 42 Inspectors, 34 Sub-Inspectors (SIs), 59 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), 16 Havildars, and 131 Constables.
Speaking at the inauguration, DGP Khurania emphasized that crime resolution and investigation are the core responsibilities of the police, underscoring the importance of thorough, evidence-based investigations. “If investigations are not meticulous, the guilty may go unpunished,” he said, urging officers to apply scientific and technical knowledge to strengthen conviction rates and ensure justice.
Referring to the successful handling of POCSO cases, the DGP noted that improved investigation techniques and professional expertise have led to swift identification, conviction, and stringent punishment of offenders.
He also highlighted the police’s robust action against interstate dacoity gangs, illegal arms trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and illicit ganja cultivation. Operations such as Prahara, Gaja, Chakra, Agni, and Garuda have been launched to curb criminal networks and bring habitual offenders to justice, he informed.
Maintaining communal harmony, preventing violence, and ensuring the safety of women and children remain the police’s top priorities, Khurania reiterated. “Our goal is to make citizens feel safe and secure in every part of the state,” he added.
The DGP also stressed the need for continuous skill development in forensic investigation and cybercrime prevention, aligning with the evolving nature of criminal activities.
The competition will feature a series of events designed to test and refine professional competencies, including fingerprint analysis, cybercrime and surveillance, computer skills, observation tests, medico-legal knowledge, police law, photography, police profiling, and demonstrations by K-9 units.
The event is being organized under the direct supervision of Vinaytosh Mishra, Director General of Police, Crime Branch, who delivered the welcome address. DIG, Crime Branch, B. Gangadhar offered the vote of thanks. Several senior police officers from across the state were present at the inaugural ceremony.
