Modern Policing Boost for Keonjhar as CM Inaugurates New Facilities, Enhances Force Mobility

Keonjhar: In a major push to upgrade Odisha’s policing infrastructure, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a newly constructed modern police station and a Reserve Police office in Keonjhar town on Friday, aiming to improve law enforcement delivery and public access to efficient police services.

The police station, built at a cost of ₹3.34 crore, and the reserve office, constructed for ₹2.76 crore, are equipped with a range of upgraded features including disability-friendly ramps, CCTV surveillance, dedicated rooms for victim assistance, and a women and children’s help desk, setting a new standard for people-centric policing.

As part of the initiative, CM Majhi also flagged off a fleet of 17 SUVs and 80 motorcycles, a move intended to significantly enhance police mobility and response time across the district.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of modern police infrastructure in fostering public trust. He directed police personnel to handle complaints with sensitivity and urgency, and warned that any delays in filing FIRs would attract disciplinary action. “Police stations are the first point of public interaction, and they must function with integrity and empathy,” he stressed.

Highlighting his government’s commitment to law and order, Majhi announced that 32,000 police posts have been sanctioned—split between 16,000 new roles and 16,000 existing vacancies—with recruitment underway to reinforce Odisha’s police strength over the coming years.

Taking a swipe at the previous administration, the Chief Minister alleged that political interference had weakened policing and emboldened criminals. “That era ended on June 12, 2024. Today, there is no place for political shielding. The law will be applied equally to all,” he declared.

Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania echoed the Chief Minister’s remarks, stating that the new facilities reflect the police department’s mission to provide timely, transparent, and citizen-focused services.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, MLAs from the region, Keonjhar Collector Vishal Singh, SP Nitin Kushalkar, and several senior officials who commended the government’s efforts to bolster the law enforcement ecosystem in the district.