Acting as per a directive issued by the Supreme Court, the DGP's circular stated, "When any act of violence results in damage to property, concerned police officials should file FIRs and complete investigation as far as possible within the statutory period and submit a report in that regard."
The circular further said police should immediately inform the Crime Branch with reports of the violence after assessing the damage, if any caused. The Crime Branch will in turn submit a report to the State government.
If there is any delay by police in filing FIR or conducting investigation, it would be considered as inaction on the part of officer.
Also Read: CBI vs CBI: Odisha Congress joins nationwide protests against Centre
On the basis of report containing all necessary detail, the Crime Branch will move the Orissa High Court for appointment of the claims commissioner, who will award compensation.
In case of more than one person involved in vandalism, each of them will jointly pay the quantified loss.
Strict instructions should also be issued not to carry any lathi, sword, firearms, explosives and knives. In areas where there is potential for trouble, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC should be imposed, the circular read.
A DSP rank officer of the Crime Branch has been assigned the responsibility to investigate the matter, said police sources.
As per latest reports, a two-member team has reached Mahakalpada Police station to begin probe into the matter.
It is pertinent to mention that a mobile theft accused, identified as 25-year-old Abinash Paital, son of Sarat Chandra Paital of village Balana in Kendrapara district, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on the premises of the Mahakalapada police station on August 26, a day after his arrest.
Police stated Abinash committed suicide after telling them that he was going to relieve himself.
However, family members of Abinash alleged that the youth died after police pushed a police baton into his anus. They also stated Abinash was beaten mercilessly.
“My son was beaten with pipes. Besides, a police baton was inserted into his anus and nails were pierced into his feet. Those, who have killed my son without any pity, should be punished strictly,” said Sharat Chandra, father of deceased.
After family members of Abinash and locals protested, fearing law and order situation in the area, the DGP had suspended Mahakalapada Inspector In-Charge (IIC), Shyamaghana Behera earlier. Apart from this, the police had tried to pacify the resentment by assuring to provide Rs 2.10 lakh financial assistance and a Home Guard job to one member of Abinash’s family.
Sources said the hastiness with which police tried to hush-up the matter has raised concerns about the style of functioning of cops.
“When someone is in police custody, how can he or she commit suicide? Was not a sentry accompanying the accused? Why the Supreme Court is passing judgement repeatedly as the directives are not being implemented properly in reality,” said Sanjeev Marik, former DGP.
In another incident, a murder accused tried to commit suicide by slitting his throat inside the Tangi police station in Cuttack today. He was admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack in critical condition.
The accused, identified as Balaram Naik of Uparasahi under Tangi police limits, had allegedly stoned his wife to death on August 27.
Police had brought Naik to the police station for questioning.
Now question arises why Naik had not been forwarded to court and from where he got a sharp weapon to slit his throat.
Cuttack Rural DSP SN Das said the incident happened while Naik was being taken into custody. After thorough inquiry the details will be known, he added.
Police have identified a few persons who are spreading the rumours on social media and stringent action will be taken against them, Sharma said.
In a seven-point advisory, the DGP has instructed people not to spread rumours on social media platforms. He has also stated that it is wrong to presume a non-Odia person to be child thief and it is also a rumour that the thieves are stealing children for organ harvesting.
Sharma has further urged people to inform police if they find any suspicious non-Odia persons in their localities. All police officers have been ordered to undertake frequent tours within their jurisdiction and keep an eye on suspicious persons and take appropriate legal action where needed. The officers can also take stringent action if they found any innocent person being harassed or attacked, the advisory noted.
The DGP has further requested people not to take the law into their hands as police and court are only empowered to take action.
"Because of the rumours on social media, some people think that child-lifting gangs are operational in State. We have initiated a probe to find the source of such rumours and culprits will be arrested and punished," said Sharma.
Addressing media persons at a presser at the police headquarters in Cuttack, Sharma said many cases of rape of minor girls were reported in April and this is quite a disturbing trend.
"A directive has been issued to police officials to consider such incidents as ‘Red Flag’ cases and take strict action," stated Sharma.
"It has been found out that in 92.5% of such cases, the accused is either a relative of the survivor or neighbour or an acquaintance belonging to same community or locality. The perpetrators of the crime are known to the survivor,” Sharma stated.
In all the cases reported, the SPs and DCPs have taken prompt action. “The culprits have been arrested within 24 hours of complaint in 70% of such cases,” he added.
Besides, cops have been asked to file charge-sheet in such rape cases within four weeks after the matter is reported.
Yesterday, the DGP had held discussions via video conferencing with all SPs and DCPs about the rising cases of rape of minor girls.
The government has already said that special public prosecutors will be appointed to expedite trial in such rape cases.
Meanwhile, the press conference by the Police DG today sparked a political blame game with the Opposition criticising the ruling BJD of using police as a shield to hide the worsening law and order situation in State.
Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said since the incidences of rapes in Odisha especially some recent cases have attracted attention of national level media, Chief Minister has been worried and so made a statement through the Police DG.
Toeing on similar lines, BJP MLA Pradeep Purohit said that the presser by the DGP is just an attempt by the State Government to hide the poor law and order situation. While women are suffering from all kinds of torture and violence the government has just turned a mute spectator. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is not saying anything so by using the DGP it is trying to show that everything is okay in the State.
On the other hand, the ruling BJD has refuted any such allegations. Party Spokesperson Sameer Das said that discussions on demand for grants will be held in Odisha Assembly on Thursday and the Chief Minister will answer all the issues that the Opposition may be having.
Along with Border Security Force (BSF) Additional Director General (ADG) Arun Kumar and other senior police officials, Sharma visited the Jodambo camp and discussed about strategies to counter Maoist menace.
They also talked on deployment of security personnel in the naxal-hit areas, sources said.
Issues on logistics support to security personnel engaged in the Left Wing Extremism-hit areas also came up for discussion in the meeting.
Among others, State Intelligence Director Sunil Roy, IG (Operations) RP Koche and Malkangiri SP Jagamohan Meena were present in the meeting.
Addressing the police officials through video-conferencing, Sharma instructed to launch special drives to curb operations of stone, sand & transport mafias in their respective areas.
The police officers have been directed to focus on arresting wanted criminals, execute pending warrants, close pending cases against anti-socials promptly by launching special drives over a period of 30 days.
Sources said, the officers have been directed to maintain dossiers of criminals and take measures to book them under preventive custody under section 107/110 CrPC and slap National Security Act (NSA) against hardcore criminals.
Senior police officers have been clearly instructed to extend full support to take action against mafia involved in illegal sand & stone quarrying, tender frauds, illegal narcotics and smuggling of arms.
The Superintendents of Police of respective districts have been asked to put in place special 'response system' to respond to emergency situations in a more prompt and efficient manner.
The performance of concerned SPs and DCPs will be reviewed after completion of the special drive in 30 days.
He further stated, "Not only we will deal with Maoists effectively but also become a partner in economic development in the naxal-affected areas."
"In the new year, prevention of crime against women and child would be the major challenge. We would strengthen our existing preventive measures and introduce new ones to see that we comprehensively control crime," the DGP stated.
Besides, cyber crime control is one of the top priorities. "We will create awareness among public on how to stay away from cyber crime," he said.
The Odisha Police will also try to narrow the gap between cops and public in 2018, Sharma stated.
https://youtu.be/zi6NaXlsz9c
After reviewing the status of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) project, Sharma informed that at present 490 police stations are already equipped with necessary hardware and software for successful implementation.
Earlier, desktop computers were used by station in-charge and other officials to maintain registers. Under the project, efforts are on to ensure a seamless data flow through which officers can use the system through their smart phones, laptops on the go.
“Nearly six to seven manual registers at police station levels will be abolished from January 1, 2018 and all the records will be maintained online to avoid duplicity of works,” said Sharma.
Sharma further informed that at present 13 citizen centric services are being provided through the Odisha Police Citizens Portal and very soon a mobile application to make services available at finger tips will be launched.
Under the CCTNS projects, Odisha police is soon going to shift to internet from infranet particularly in those areas where connectivity is a problem.
Also Read: All data on CCTNS intranet by Mar 31
“The main advantage of CCTNS is that FIR registrations will be done in prescribed forms while date and time of registration can be tracked online. Through the use of technology, we hope that working of police stations will become more transparent and efficient,” Sharma added.
https://youtu.be/9abnvqOwlZs
Bhubaneswar: A day after assessing the anti-Naxal movement in cut-off areas of Chitrakonda of Malkangiri district, BSF ADG Arun Kumar met Odisha DGP RP Sharma at Bhubaneswar camp office today.
A detailed discussion on joint operations and future strategies to curb Maoist menace in the State was held between Kumar and Sharma.
The BSF ADG had visited Lukapani and Bandhaguda forest in the cut-off area of Malkangiri district on Saturday, following an encounter between Maoists and security personnel in which one red rebel was killed on Friday.
Also Read: Gurupriya bridge to provide tactical advantage: BSF ADG
Speaking to mediapersons after an on-the-spot examination, Kumar said, the security personnel will have a tactical advantage after completion of the Gurupriya bridge work. If the bridge gets ready by March 2018, it would help in frequent movement of security forces in the area.
https://youtu.be/_R8XRi4AWb4
The DGP reviewed the arrangements made at the entry and exit points and other development works of the stadium. Police Commissioner YB Khurania accompanied the DGP during the inspection.
"Arrangements for the Security and safety of players inside the stadium, lodging places and during the daily movement of participating teams has been duly inspected. We have the responsibility to ensure tight security at the venue for the VIPs, officials and guest delegations from other participating countries during the event," DGP RP Sharma said.
Sources said the visitors would enter and exit the stadium through six gates during the WHL. Besides, special arrangements have been made for the security of the players during their stay in hotels and journey to the venue. Since the stadium has a capacity for around 9,000 visitors, the district administration would strictly monitor distribution of tickets, parking of vehicles and traffic.
It may be mentioned here that players of 10 countries, including India, Australia, Argentina and five European teams will take part in the hockey league, which will culminate on December 10.
During his maiden visit to Naxal-infested Malkangiri district after assuming charge as DGP, Sharma today hinted of massive joint combing operations against the ultras in cut-off areas of the district.
While visiting the BSF camp at Badapada, a cut-off area of Malkangiri, Sharma emphasized on the proper co-ordination between Central Forces and State Police in the mission to combat Maoists.
Later, Sharma also inspected the site of the Gurupriya Bridge and asked the authorities to beef up security measures to ensure its completion.
Besides, the DGP asked police stations to keep a tight vigil on anti-social elements.
“Under the NSA, a drive has been launched to take strong action against criminals,” Sharma said.
The DGP will videoconference with the SPs on September 20 to review the law and order situation.
Moreover, it is suspected that Laximdutta was killed over ‘past enmity’ while detailed probe in connection with the incident is on, the DGP informed.
“Three special teams led by Ganjam SP have been formed to nab the miscreants who went absconding after committing the crime,” said Sharma.
Also Read: Chhatrapur councillor hacked to death
According to Sharma, the miscreants had soon escaped from the spot after hacking the councillor to death outside his residence in LIC Colony in Chhatrapur at around 1 pm yesterday.
Though Laxmidutta’s younger brother Debidutta had also come to his rescue, the assailants didn’t spare him.
Later the profusely bleeding duo was rushed to Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur where Laxmidutta succumbed to his injuries.
https://youtu.be/oABV2f-3rt4
The DGP also issued advisory to SPs and DCPs to check the menace.
The top cop has advised parents and teachers to keep a tab of Internet trends to get an idea of what is influencing the youths. Throwing light on the signs and symptoms of victims of the online game inciting suicides, the advisory said those who begin playing the game stop interacting with family and friends, talks about running away from home or even death and also changes eating and sleeping habits. There could be a rise in signs of depression and spending too much of time on the phone.
Besides, the DGP asked police officials to conduct frequent raids at cyber cafes to find out existence of any link/website related to lethal online games such as Blue Whale Challenge, A Quiet House, A Silent House, A Sea of Whales and Wake Me Up at 4.20 pm. In case any such online games are found, the directive asked the police officials to remove the links and format the computers.
A State level Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary AP Padhi took the decision to conduct a survey to be undertaken jointly by Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCA) and Security and Odisha Police.
While briefing mediapersons, DGP Sharma who was also present in the meeting, informed that personnel from OSAP, RRB and OISF will be deployed to strengthen the security at the airports.
“A joint survey of Odisha police and BCA will be carried out to ensure proper security arrangements at the airstrips. The survey team will be given orientation training. We are working on the details”, said DGP Sharma.
Meanwhile, the Jharsuguda airstrip is scheduled to be converted into a full-fledged airport and become operational under the UDAN scheme by October 2017.
“By October the airstrip at Jharsuguda will be operational but the airstrips of Utkela and Jeypore will require some more months as they are still at the development phase. The total cost of development of Utkela and Jeypore airstrips is expected to be around Rs 50 crore,” informed, AP Padhi.
A reality check conducted by OTV found that though three metal detectors have been installed at the entry points, they are not functioning as power supply was disconnected due to rains.
“Shed is being created and power supply will be restored to the metal detectors,” said Puri Additional SP, Banabihari Sahu.
Though a luggage scanner was also installed in 2014 to ensure a through check of the articles being carried into the temple premises via southern gate, the scanner room was found to be locked. It is also alleged that no security personnel man the watch towers installed around the 12th century shrine.
Also Read:NSG team arrives in Puri for security review
Recently, a team of the National Security Guard (NSG) had reviewed the security arrangements at Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri for chalking out an action plan against any possible terror threat.
The NSG team had inspected prominent places in and around the shrine and examined the functioning of CCTVs, metal detectors and the entry and exit gates.
During their two-hour visit, the team members had also reviewed arrangements for crowd control and ‘darshan’ of the deities.
DGP RP Sharma who had visited the Puri temple after assuming charge stated that steps would certainly be taken to improve the security measures at Puri temple.
“Already a security system is in place and only after a detailed review we can find what more can be done for the safety of the monument and visitors," said Sharma.
It is now almost a decade that not a single IPS officer after Gopal Nanda has been able to hold the top post till retirement. After Manmohan Praharaj, Prakash Mishra and Sanjiv Marik, KB Singh has been removed from the post in an unprecedented and unceremonious way.
In fact, only three DGPs out of last 10 have been able to complete two years in their posts including NC Padhi, Manmohan Praharaj and Prakash Mishra. Both Mishra and Padhi had a humiliating exit after corruption charges came up against them.
The outgoing DGP KB Singh was on a visit to Sambalpur yesterday when Odisha government’s Home department issued a circular regarding his transfer and replacement by RP Sharma as the new police chief.
Whether the sudden transfer and reshuffle of other senior officers was premeditated by Odisha government or a fallout of performance remains unanswered.
It is also unclear if Odisha government replaced KB Singh with RP Sharma to provide the latter ample time to create base before the 2019 general elections.
However, former police administrators believe that such transfer decisions might have been taken to make the police department more ‘efficient and active’ as senior officers might get stressed for being at the top post for long.
Also Read: DGP RP Sharma assumes office
“There is a lot of pressure of work on a DGP and no matter how efficient an officer is, they too get tired after working for a year or two. Hence, the Government might have thought if a new officer is appointed, they can work with more enthusiasm,” said ex-DG Bipin Bihari Mishra.
While on the other hand, former DGP SN Tiwari feels, “Till there are no allegations against any officer and those are proved, such transfers should not be allowed.”
Though the Odisha government had brought a bill to fix the tenure of police chief at two years, it remains a far cry after the Governor returned the Police bill in 2015.
Singh has been named as the chairman of OSRTC.
Moreover, the current special DG (CID), Bijay Kumar Sharma will replace Arun Ray as DG of Prisons.
Ray has been appointed as ADG, Police Headquarters.
Soon after the new appointment, RP Sharma speaking to OTV said the new assignment is a challenging task.
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"I am thankful to the government that it has reposed faith and confidence in me by giving me a very challenging assignment. I know that policing in various respects is very challenging. Be it maintenance of law and order, public peace, investigation and prevention of crime, I shall do my best to provide better policing to the people of Odisha through the team of officers especially the supervising officers and police station level officers," Sharma said in his first reaction.
WATCH VIDEO
People can directly contact the Vigilance directorate, Cuttack on 0671-2305988 and six of its regional offices including Bhubaneswar (0674-2397748), Berhampur (0680-2282300), Sambalpur (0663-2412115), Balasore (255005), Koraput (233330), Cuttack Division (0671-2305682).
“The vigilance officials have been directed to act immediately soon after they receive the complaint. We appealed to the people to assist us to curb corruption completely,” vigilance director RP Sharma said at a press meet.
As many as 37 cases related to graft in rural housing programme have been registered so far while nine people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in such irregularities. Investigation of 76 cases is in progress while 48 secret verifications are being conducted, Sharma added.
The special drive came after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stressed on abolishing ‘pc’ culture in block levels at the Collectors meet in March.
Meanwhile, State government declared to keep the housing scheme beneficiaries away from other welfare programmes if they divert the housing funds they get under rural housing scheme. “The erring beneficiaries would have to pay back the amount sanctioned for building pucca house. They would not be included in other government schemes until they return the amount. Action may also be initiated against them if needed. Any government officials found involved in the irregularities will also face action,” Panchayati Raj secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh said.
At a press meet here, Director of Vigilance, Dr RP Sharma informed that the Vigilance department has been directed to confiscate controversial properties in accordance with the Article 13 of Special Courts Act 2006.
“Out of the 575 cases registered last year, 162 cases were against Class-I officials and 104 against Class-II officials in which a total of 1099 persons were accused. In all these cases a total worth of Rs 115.52 crores of unaccounted properties is involved. Similarly, out of a total of 141 cases registered since 2013, 43 cases have been solved,” stated RP Sharma.
Attending the valedictory programme of Vigilance Awareness Week here at Rabindra Mandap, Patnaik said his government has always been emphasising on a transparent governance system.
"The government has been very keen on transparency in governance. The State vigilance is very actively following the anti corruption drive. We have opened vigilance offices at every revenue district. We have established two additional vigilance courts in Sundergarh and Cuttack. Two more vigilance courts will also be opened at Angul and Dhenkanal shortly", Patnaik said.
Similarly, vigilance director Rajendra Prasad Sharma said his department has registered 449 cases this year, which include cases against 64 Class- I officers.
"Last year, the vigilance had registered 464 cases; whereas during this year till September we have already registered 449 cases. We have booked cases against 64 Class-I, 74 Class-II and 315 Class-III officers", Sharma said while addressing the programme.
He also pointed out that the vigilance had arrested 288 accused in different cases and forwarded them to the court in 2005. This year till September, 285 accused persons have been arrested, which include 29 Class-I and 27 Class-II officers, he added.
Likewise, 78 cases were closed in 2015 while 57 cases ended by September this year. As many as eight Class-I and six Class-II officers have been convicted, Sharma maintained.
During the last five years 134 public servants including five Class-I, 15 Class-II and 108 Class-III public servants have been dismissed from service, consequent upon their conviction in vigilance cases, the vigilance director said.
Sharma congratulated all his colleagues and supporting officials on the occasion for performing superb this year.
Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) of different government departments and state-owned Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) will attend the workshop which will begin at 10 AM.
The workshop will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who will be the chief guest while retired IPS officer and former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Rajiv; Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi and Director General of Police (DGP) KB Singh will be the esteemed guests.
Talking to OTV today, Director, State Vigilance, RP Sharma said “The objective of the workshop is to apprise the CVOs of different government departments and state-owned public sector undertakings (PSUs) of their role and responsibilities. Besides, the CVOs would be given tips on how to discharge their functions in the present context in coordination with the State Vigilance”.
There will be a panel discussion and sessions on ‘Preventive Vigilance as an effective Tool to fight corruption’, ‘Role of RTI in improving Internal Vigilance and accountability’, ‘An effective Internal Vigilance Bolsters the Anti-corruption efforts’ etc. from 11 AM to 6.20 PM.
The workshop will be addressed by senior IAS officer and former State Election Commissioner (SEC) Sanjib Chandra Hota, retired IPS officer and former Odisha DGP Gopal Chandra Nanda, senior IPS officer and Chief Vigilance Officer, Department of Telecommunications, New Delhi, M Akhaya; former State Information Commissioner, Jagadananda; Director, IIIT, Bhubaneswar, Gopal Krushna Nayak, Rakesh Kumar of Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) and Chief Vigilance Officer of Hindustan Copper Limited, Kolkata.
The high profile fraud case took place in the state police headquarters in 2015.
"Among the arrested persons, Basant Kumar Pradhan, ex-DSP (HRPC), is currently working as additional SP in south western range (DIG), Koraput and Prachet Kumar Mishra, ex-stenographer of SC/ST protection cell (HRPC), is currently posted as signal officer in Cuttack. Proprietor of Messrs Access Computer Ashutosh Mishra and his manager have also been arrested. The fifth one is Mamata Rout, who owns a printing unit at Madhupatna in Cuttack where training related materials were printed," Vigilance director RP Sharma said.
Access Computer was entrusted with the task of imparting training, Sharma added.
Four of the five arrested were produced in the court today while the ASP, who was arrested from Koraput, is being taken to Cuttack. He will be forwarded to court on Thursday.
Apart from the arrests, a case has also been registered against senior Tripura cadre IPS officer Joydeep Nayak, who has been named as the prime accused in the case, Sharma said, adding that Tripura police has been contacted for more information regarding the key accused.
The fraud took place during the tenure of Nayak as IG of SC/ST Protection cell of HRPC on deputation. He had allegedly siphoned off the fund meant for SC/ST students' computer education with help of some sub-ordinate officers.
Sources said Nayak is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.
“Emphasis will be given on quality investigation to ensure that the corrupt elements get proper punishment. By ensuring this, the rate of conviction will be enhanced,” Sharma said soon after taking charge this morning.
He said efforts would be made to strengthen source-based information system of the State Vigilance. Basing on the information, the anti-corruption wing conducts investigation and nabs the corrupt employees.
“The main focus of the State Vigilance is anti-corruption. My first priority would be to make the anti-corruption more effective and widen the vigilance network in the state,” he said.
Laying emphasis on preventive vigilance, he said this is the ideal method of cutting down the rate of corruption drastically.
“Involving people, who are aware of corruption taking place in their locality, would be an important step. Considering that use of technology has gone up substantially in most government and non-government work, the State Vigilance would also use these technologies as well as the social media to make it more proactive and effective. I will give priority on these aspects,” Sharma said.
Stating that the State Vigilance had earned a name for itself in the country, the former police commissioner said he will work as per the existing value system and put his best foot forward to maintain its standing.
The student has been identified as Tarini Prasad Samantray.
Earlier in the day, Police Commissioner RP Sharma told media persons, “From preliminary investigation, it seems to be the handiwork of a group of students. We have shortlisted some internet protocol (IP) addresses to trace the suspects in the cyber crime. From these, we believe that some students, who wanted to practice ethical hacking, are involved in the act.”
“Since the hacking seems to have originated from Bhubaneswar, we are zeroing in on some city- based IP addresses to crack the case,” stated Sharma. He, however, did not rule out the possibility of bringing shortlisted IP addresses in other locations into the ambit of the probe.
Official sources said 300-odd IP addresses have been kept under the purview of the investigation.
On the motive behind the whole episode, the commissioner said no particular intention has been noticed after the site was hacked on January 15.
“Neither any abusive content nor obscene matter was posted after the site was hacked. So, we believe that there was no ill-intention behind the act,” Sharma stated.
Official sources said a case has been registered under Section 65 and 66 (C) of Information Technology Act following a written complaint by OUAT authorities on January 16. The website was reportedly hacked a day before and the hacker, identifying himself as ‘Don’, had posted obscene messages on it.
Meanwhile, OUAT Vice Chancellor Manoranjan Kar said, "If any staff or students of OUAT is involved in this hacking, action will be taken against the person as per rule and regulations of the university."
After flagging off the PCR vans from the premises of Nalco Corporate Office here, the State PSU’s CMD TK Chand said, “To increase the agility and mobility of the Commissionerate Police, Nalco will definitely support them.”
Sources said the new PCR vans will be used to attend the quick response call under Dial 100 more efficiently. In Bhubaneswar, 30 PCR vans are operating while 21 PCR vans are given to Cuttack.
Police Commissioner RP Sharma, who was present at the function, said, “These new PCR vans will fulfill the deficiencies in vehicles.”
The problem (LWE) still exists and Odisha Police needs to evolve the strategies against the naxals, he said and asked police officers not to be complacent.
"The police has done a wonderful job in tackling the LWEs. We cannot rest till there is a decade of absolute naxal free incidents in the state," Sharma said inaugurating the 60th Senior Police Officers Conference here.
Nine CRPF personnel were killed during the day after Maoists blasted their mine protected vehicle using over 50 kgs of explosives in Sukma district of neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
The DGP said that policemen need to upgrade their skill by using modern gadgets and technology in view of the new forms of crime in the fast changing scenario.
Referring to the modernisation of the force in the state, Sharma said each district will have a model police station. The features of model police station would be best infrastructure, logistics, skilled manpower, high rate of conviction, effective crime control and quality as well as expeditious investigations.
"We will accord a police station the status of model police station after examining the parameters. Adequate manpower will be supplied to the model police stations," he said.
On the shortage of manpower in police, Sharma said there was nearly 35 per cent shortage of sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors and the proposal for recruitment of additional manpower for the force is being considered by the government.
"Special squads of Cuttack police have also seized four pistols, nine bullets, three bhujalis, 10 mobile phones and as many motorbikes from their possession," Sharma said.
Police have also retrieved some gold jewellery from their possession, including four gold chains.
The Badambadi police and Cantonment police of the city were involved in the special drive to bust the gangs that were creating nuisance for past several months.
Led by party MLA Pramila Mallick, a women delegation of BJD met CEO Surendra Kumar and DGP RP Sharma and submitted memorandum urging them to make special security arrangements at 56 vulnerable booths in the poll-bound Patkura Assembly seat under Kendrapara Lok Sabha segment. This apart, the delegation raised concerns alleging possible booth capturing by the activists of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“We suspect that activists of BJP are most likely to capture booths during voting in Patkura Assembly constituency tomorrow. Therefore, we met the CEO asking him to deploy adequate police personnel, Micro Observers (MO) and install CCTV cameras in the booths,” said Mallick while speaking to media persons.
Likewise, a delegation of the saffron party also met the Chief Electoral Officer and demanded a free and fair election. Besides, they hit back at BJD and alleged that the regional party is engaged in anti-democratic activities to win the Assembly seat by hook or crook.
“It is not the BJP, but the BJD which is using anti-democratic means to win the Patkura seat. We fear that BJD activists will carry out all sorts of illegal activities tomorrow especially in Derabish Block. They are brainwashing the voters,” alleged BJP's State secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar.
Sharma, who was also the director of the vigilance wing of Odisha Police, said he would continue his fight against corruption in his new role.
"I have joined Lokayukta as its member. I am thankful to Lord Jagannath for providing me with an opportunity to work for the society. I will put my experience to use to help rid the society from the malaise of corruption," the 1986-batch IPS officer, who opted for voluntary retirement from government service, said.
Sharma's name as a member of the anti-corruption organisation was proposed by the state government and approved by Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal.
The five-member constitutional body, headed by former Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court Ajit Singh, started functioning in Odisha on April 8, 2019. Justice (retd) BK Nayak and former IFS officer Debabrata Swain are two other members of the organization.
As per the Lokayukta Act, the fifth member of the anti-corruption body has be a woman or a member from the Scheduled Category or a minority community.
The country's apex court in its landmark ruling last year had directed states/UTs not to appoint acting or in-charge DGP. In the year 2018, the bench comprising chief justice Dipak Mishra, justices DY Chandrachud, and AM Khanwilkar issued significant directions regarding appointment of DGP in states/UTs.
The apex court order said no state or union territory (UT) should appoint an acting DGP. It has further asked the states and UTs that they should send the names of prospective officers to the UPSC for it to make a choice well in advance.
Despite such clear-cut directives, why the Odisha government didn't adhere to the SC directives.
Now, cut to high drama unfolded in Odisha. When as per service rules a government official has to apply for VRS three-months (90 days) prior to the VRS date sought, why the State government has not initiated the process of DGP selection well in advance when the then DGP RP Sharma sought VRS?
Significantly, a day after acceptance of RP Sharma's VRS, the Home Department issued a notification on August 7, 2019 that read as “Bijay Kumar Sharma, IPS (1986), Director General, FS, HG &CD, Odisha is allowed to remain in full additional charge of the post of DGP (Head of Police Force) until further order,”
This order showed the State government has not appointed BK Sharma as full-fledged DGP.
And the midnight notification that added a twist said, "On the recommendation of the UPSC and in interest of public service, 1986 batch IPS officer Abhay, presently director of National Police Academy (NPA), is appointed as DGP of the State."
It needs mentioning here that the DGP-designate Abhay was appointed director of NPA in July 2019. Prior to the new assignment, he was DG of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The 1986-batch senior IPS officer from Bihar has been the senior most and will retire in 2021.
A look at the appointment to the hot seat in Odisha Police in last two decades (2000-19) reveals that barring in 2001 and 2008, when the then incumbent DGPs NC Padhi and Manmohan Praharaj, who had completed 3-year and 4-year tenures, respectively, almost all DGPs had never completed the apex court's mandated minimum of 2-years tenure for the topmost post.
Moreover, prior to the DGP appointment notification, CM Naveen Patnaik appointed a 3-member team led by Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy to probe into alleged irregularities in issuance of fire certificates. The notification further said there is a large pendency of applications for issuance of the fire safety recommendations and certificates in the Directorate of Fire Service, which caused immense inconvenience not only to the general public but also to business, industry, educational and medical establishments.
The moot point then is, was the government unaware of the 'inconveniences to public' when it vested full additional charge of DGP on BK Sharma in August this year?
Significantly, when CM Naveen Patnaik with much fanfare launched the 5T in police, the midnight drama showed how the transparency itself has been the casualty here.
Meanwhile, the buzz in power corridors is this is a fallout of new changes in the Chief Minister's Office in the month of October this year.