Cuttack: Ahead of the festive season, Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania has issued strict directives to all district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to enforce a complete ban on illegal donation collections often conducted under the guise of festival celebrations. The DGP has ordered stringent action against individuals engaging in such activities and emphasized grassroots-level implementation to ensure compliance.
The announcement was made during a review meeting held at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack on August 22, 2025, chaired by DGP Khurania.
The meeting focused on ensuring public safety and security during the upcoming festival season. Comprehensive security measures were outlined, including heightened police patrolling, strict checking protocols, and proactive steps to prevent any untoward incidents.
The DGP stressed the need for constant vigilance and advance intelligence gathering to address potential challenges swiftly.
To counter rumors and misinformation, DGP Khurania directed district cyber cells to conduct 24/7 monitoring of social media platforms. He also instructed SPs to strengthen security in sensitive areas through increased police patrolling, installation of CCTV cameras, and action against habitual offenders.
Coordination with puja committees, community groups, and local representatives was emphasized to ensure smooth festival operations. Robust arrangements were mandated at puja venues and during immersion processions to safeguard the public.
The DGP further ordered strict action against illegal cattle trafficking and unauthorized firecracker sales during the festive season.
Additionally, he directed officials to inspect venues hosting festival-related fairs to review administrative arrangements and ensure public safety.
The meeting saw participation from senior officials, including Additional DGP (Crime Branch) Vinaytosh Mishra, Additional DGP (Modernization) Soumendra Priyadarshi, Additional DGP (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, Additional DGP (HRPC) Yatindra Koyal, IGP Satish Gajabhiye, IGP (Crime Branch) Safeen Ahmad, IGP (Crime Branch) Dr. Sarthak Sarangi, DIGP (Provisioning) Charan Singh Meena, DIGP (Personnel) Jugal Kishore Kumar Banoth, SP Vineet Agrawal, and virtually by Intelligence Director R.P. Koche, along with all district SPs, Range IGs, and DIGs.
