Odisha Police Plans District-Level Units for Organised, Sensitive Crimes

Bhubaneswar: Tackling organised and inter-state crimes will get a dedicated focus in Odisha, with the state police planning to create special units in every police district for cases requiring detailed investigation.

Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra announced the plan on Saturday while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the passing-out parade of constable trainees at the Basic Training Institute in Burla.

The proposed units will work under the direct control of the respective Superintendent of Police. According to Mishra, the move is aimed at addressing a gap in the existing policing system, where police station personnel have to balance local law-and-order duties and routine criminal cases with investigations into more complex offences.

“Officers in police stations remain busy with local law and order and routine crimes, so they do not get enough time for proper investigation of organised or inter-state crimes. The special units will fill that gap,” the DGP said.

Cybercrime and drug-related offences are also being prioritised by the state police. Mishra said Odisha Police has intensified action against the illegal sale and distribution of drugs, along with awareness drives aimed at preventing substance abuse.

The state has also expanded its cybercrime infrastructure, with cyber police stations now established in every district this year, Mishra said. A State Cyber Command Coordination Centre has also been notified and is expected to be established soon.

Meanwhile, the recovery of stolen mobile phones has improved considerably, rising from 7 per cent to 27 per cent, according to the DGP. The police are targeting a recovery rate of 50 per cent by the end of December.

Mishra also urged people to exercise caution while carrying out activities online, particularly financial transactions. He advised people not to click on unknown links or respond to unfamiliar messages and said those unfamiliar with online systems should avoid attempting financial transactions without adequate knowledge.

The DGP was in Sambalpur for the passing-out parade of the fifth batch of 1,027 constable trainees. Addressing the trainees, he congratulated them on completing their training and urged them to face the challenges of policing with courage.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining a friendly attitude towards the public, highlighting the role of police personnel in building trust at the grassroots level.

The proposed special units, along with the expansion of cybercrime infrastructure and intensified action against drug-related offences, are expected to strengthen Odisha Police’s response to crimes requiring specialised investigation.