Odisha Elections 2024: Sharp vigil on Maoist movement on borders, says DGP   

Director General of Police (DGP) Arun Sarangi took stock of the preparedness for the upcoming elections and the law and order situation in Nuapada on Monday. He said that the intelligence network along with security vigil is being bolstered in the area.  

During the review meeting with senior police officials, he discussed measures and arrangements for the smooth and peaceful conduct of polls and for maintaining law and order. 

ADG Sanjay Kumar, ADG (Operations) Suresh Dev Datta Singh, DIG(SIW) Kanwar Vishal Singh, Koraput SWR Charan Singh Meena, Kalahandi SP Abhilash G and Nuapada SP Gundala Reddy Raghavendra were present at the meeting.

At the meeting, senior police officials also discussed Maoist activities in neighbouring Chhattisgarh which shares borders with Nuapada and Kalahandi. 

Speaking to the media, the DGP said, "There is provision of airlifting of manpower and material to inaccessible areas. Some booths are inside the Sunabeda sanctuary. Poll parties will be air-dropped there.”

“We are maintaining sharp vigil on the Maoist movement in the border areas. All the border districts on the fringes of Chhattisgarh have been put on high alert. Since 2000, elections have been held simultaneously in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. But for the first time, the elections are being held earlier in Chhattisgarh," he added.

“To thwart the possibility of Maoists entering Odisha during this period, the police of both the states have been carrying out operations in the bordering areas,” the DGP added.