Bhubaneswar: Senior IPS officer Suresh Devadatta Singh officially assumed the role of Commissioner of Police for the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate on Monday afternoon, succeeding Sanjeev Panda. Singh, a 1998-batch IPS officer, was previously serving as the Additional Director General of Police, CID-CB, Cuttack, before his transfer to this new post.
The Odisha Home Department announced Singh’s transfer through a notification issued on Sunday evening. A formal guard of honor was presented to him at the Police Commissioner’s headquarters, followed by the official handover ceremony from outgoing Police Commissioner Sanjeev Panda, who has now been appointed as ADG, Training, and Director at the Biju Patnaik State Police Academy (BPSPA).
Upon taking charge, Commissioner Suresh Devadatta Singh expressed his commitment to balancing law enforcement with community engagement. “The police will adopt a tough stance on criminals, but we will be sensitive and supportive towards the public who approach us. Ensuring justice within the bounds of the law is our priority,” he stated.
Singh’s approach is expected to focus on enhancing public trust in the police force while continuing to ensure law and order in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Outgoing Commissioner Reflects on Achievements
During his tenure as Commissioner, Sanjeev Panda oversaw several key operations and faced numerous challenges, including managing law and order during elections. Speaking to the media, Panda highlighted the progress made in the last eight months. “The recent days have been challenging, particularly with the elections, but our team handled it well. We successfully recovered stolen goods, including around 2,000 gold chains and thousands of stolen bikes,” Panda said, noting the efficiency of the police force during his tenure.
