Kataka: Senior IPS officer Vinaytosh Mishra on Sunday took charge as the additional Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, with the senior officer underlining the need for professional, accountable and people-oriented policing across the State.
Mishra formally assumed charge at the State Police Headquarters in Kataka, taking over from Yogesh Bahadur Khurania. He will continue to serve as Director General, Crime Branch, while holding the additional responsibility of the State Police Chief.
The 1993-batch IPS officer was received by senior police officials on his arrival at the headquarters and was accorded a Guard of Honour. He later paid floral tributes at the Police Martyrs’ Memorial.
Addressing the media after taking charge, Mishra expressed gratitude to the State Government for entrusting him with the responsibility. He said he would work with dedication and integrity and focus on strengthening the relationship between the police and the public.
Focus on emerging crime challenges
Mishra said the police would continue to strengthen crime prevention and investigation, with women’s safety, organised crime, drug-related offences and cybercrime remaining key areas of focus.
He said the changing nature of crime requires sustained efforts to improve investigation and enforcement mechanisms while ensuring that policing remains responsive to citizens.
On the upcoming festive season, Mishra said nearly 60,000 police personnel would be deployed across the State to maintain law and order. The deployment will be coordinated with district administrations to ensure adequate security and peaceful celebrations.
Coordination to continue in flood-hit areas
The new police chief also reviewed the role of the force amid the flood situation in several districts. He said Odisha Police would work closely with ODRAF and district administrations to assist people affected by the floods.
He assured that necessary measures would be taken to protect lives and property and provide assistance wherever required.
Mishra also urged police personnel to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, professionalism and sensitivity. He said the force must continue to earn public confidence through effective and humane policing.
Three decades of policing experience
Mishra has held several important assignments during his career in Odisha as well as with the CISF.
He has served as SDPO, Additional SP and SP in Baleshwar, Talcher, Kataka, Brahmapur, Jajpur and the Crime Branch. As DIG, he handled responsibilities in Fire Services and Home Guards, Intelligence and Transport Enforcement and also served with the CISF at Bokaro.
He subsequently served as IGP at CISF Headquarters in Chennai, IGP (Railways), Odisha, and IGP (Eastern Range), Baleshwar.
At the ADGP level, Mishra held key positions including Modernisation, Headquarters, State Crime Records Bureau and Crime Branch. He has been heading the Crime Branch as Director General since January 1, 2025.
Senior officers and officials of the State Police Headquarters attended the assumption-of-charge ceremony.
