He was appointed the new Police Commissioner of the Commissionerate Police on July 28.
"My efforts will be to provide quality service to people and win their trust. In view of this, we will strengthen police system," said the new Police Commisisoner after taking charge of the office.
Mohanty, who is an IPS officer of 1988 batch, had won the Police medal in 2004 and the President’s medal in 2012 for his distinguished service.
He had also worked as SP of Koraput, Rourkela, Cuttack and Balasore districts. Besides, Mohanty had served in the position of Additional SP of Puri.
Following an IPS reshuffle, Mohanty's predecessor YB Khurania was appointed ADG (Provisioning).
Police Commissioner Satyajit Mohanty today inaugurated the prepaid taxi counter which will be jointly-managed by the Commissionerate police, Airport Taxi Association and Bhubaneswar airport.
As per reports, the initiative will ensure safety to commuters and protect them from unreasonable fares charged by cab owners. "Police is also a part of the initiative, so passengers can have trust while booking a ride from the airport," Police Commissioner, Satyajit Mohanty said.
"Since it is being supported by the police, the service will be good. Only the government needs to control the rates," a passenger Rabi Nanda said.
"We were trying hard to start this service and we are sure that we will provide better service than others," Secretary of Airport Taxi Association, Pradip Das said.
A 1988 batch- IPS officer, Mohanty, who is now serving as the Additional DGP (Provisioning) will now replace YB Khurania as the new police commissioner of Twin City.
Outgoing commissioner, Khurania, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has been appointed Additional DGP (Provisioning).
Similarly, 1994-batch IPS officer Sanjeeb Panda, who is currently serving as IG of Police, Special Armed Police (SAP), has been posted as Transport Commissioner.
As many as four Superintendants of Police (SP) have been transferred. SP, CID, Crime Branch Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao has been transferred and posted as Bhadrak SP while Battula Gangadhar, a 2011-batch IPS and present SP of Bhadrak has been appointed Kalahandi SP.
Also Read: Security lapse: Prisoner escapes from Bhawanipatna jail
Madkar Sandeep Sampat, a 2012-batch IPS and SP Kalahandi has been appointed as the new SP, CID, Crime Branch.
Furthermore, Debi Prasad Dash, Additional SP of Bonai, Rourkela has been transferred and posted as Sonepur SP while Sashibhusan Satpathy has been appointed SP of Nayagarh.
Sources said the special drive was launched from June 17 to June 24 while 72 habitual offenders and criminals were also booked under 110 CrPC.
Keeping in view the success, Commissionerate Police is now contemplating to extend the special drive till July 1.
“We had reviewed the progress and number of non-bailable warrants executed during a special meeting held yesterday. We have now decided to continue with the special drive against criminals till July 1,” said Police Commissioner, YB Khurania.
A three-tier security cordon has been put in place for the budget session of the Assembly, informed Police Commissioner YB Khurania after reviewing the arrangements on Monday.
"An inner cordon, outer cordon and larger outer cordon have been set up outside the Assembly. Besides, barricades have been put up where security personnel will be on guard," Khurania said.
Senior officials informed that nearly 27 platoons of police force and 100 officers of various ranks will supervise the entire security arrangements, he added.
At some places prohibitory orders under Sec 144 has been clamped while agitators will be allowed to hold dharna at the designated place away from the Assembly.
"CCTVs have been installed at key places. We will monitor the situation round round-the-clock," said Khurania adding that the Commissionerate Police is ready for any eventuality.
The Budget Session will commence from March 20 and continue till May 5 in two phases. The first phase will continue from March 20 to March 31 whereas the second phase will begin from April 11 till end of the session.
Over 30 BJP supporters waving party flag stormed into Pandian’s residence and allegedly ransacked flower pots and few vehicles parked inside the premises.
Alleging 'favouritism' to a particular party by the bureaucrat, the BJP supporters staged the demonstration on his campus and also threw cow dung on the main entry gate and boundaries.
"The BJP activists attacked me, threw flower pots and damaged a few vehicles parked inside the quarters," said a staff deployed at Pandian's residence.
Raising slogans 'Sabdhan Pandian', the BJP supporters protested undue interference of the bureaucrat in direct politics and other affairs of the Odisha government.
" This is the beginning and a warning for Pandian to refrain from doing dirty politics," said BJP Vice President, Sameer Mohanty.
BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb on the other hand condemned such demonstration by BJP supporters.
"It is an unfortunate incident and it clearly shows the mentality of top BJP leadership. Such kind of protest is not acceptable by any means in a democracy, "said Deb.
Deb further stated that police should take action against those behind the incident as per law.
Senior officials of the Commissionerate Police including Commissioner YB Khurania, DCP Satyabrat Bhoi rushed to the spot after the incident.
"We have arrested some persons and stern action will be taken against those involved in the incident,"said Khurania.
Three such incidents in the past one week have now become a matter of concern. Social activists have demanded stringent action against those circulating such videos on the internet so that it deters others to commit such offence.
Twin City Police Commissioner YB Khurania said that girls are put into difficult situations and people making such videos and uploading on the internet are trying to get sadistic pleasure out of it.
“The trend of obscene videos being made viral on social media is leading to voyeurism which is a dangerous trend,” said Khurania.
Khurania said such acts are criminal offences and adequate steps are being taken to ensure that the accused are taken to task. But at the same time, adequate care should be taken to ensure that rumors are not created in media as it is traumatic for the victim.
In most cases, such incidents go unreported as victims and their families do not lodge police complaints in fear of humiliation.
Commissionerate Police has urged people and victims to report such incidents to police for prompt action against the accused behind such acts.
“Whenever anyone feels that local police officers are not responsive, they should immediately report the matter to their superior officers so that action can be taken against the accused at the earliest,” Khurania added.
https://youtu.be/z6xGtYYahvA
A notification in this connection was issued today after a meeting with police. The notification said, "Entry into the university premises and hostels will be allowed only on production of valid identity cards in original issued by the university authorities. They are also required to submit a photocopy of the same at the time of entry into hostels."
The police assured to provide adequate security arrangements after the varsity reopened. "I had a meeting with the vice chancellor and other officials of the university. They have asked to lift the sine die tomorrow. We have also discussed about the security of the campus," Police Commissioner YB Khurania said.
Notably, the varsity was closed sine die on September 18 following violence in the campus ahead of the students’ union elections. The closure order came after bombs were hurled inside the campus which had forced the cops to clamp Section 144.
The PhD scholar Asutosh Acharya of IIT Bhubaneswar after meeting Khurania said, “Sir has a very positive attitude, he inspired me to grow in future and encouraged me for my achievement in tracing the mobile thief.”
Asutosh further informed, “The Commissioner has already called Inspector-In-Charge of Saheed Nagar police station to nab the thief within two days.”
Asutosh’s phone had been stolen on July 16 morning from the hostel room of a friend in Utkal University campus where the former had stayed overnight. A complaint had been lodged at Saheed Nagar police station and even the DCP had been informed about it.
As the police investigation was going on at a slow pace Asutosh decided to trace the mobile on his own and did it through Mi Cloud facility that linked his handset with his email account.
Asutosh found out that the handset was with a person residing at Haridaposhi village under Tigiria police limits in Cuttack district. He had even shared the information with Saheed Nagar police.
But as the police was late in taking action, Asutosh visited the village with some friends and contacted the Tigiria police who allegedly misbehaved with them. The matter was informed to Saheed Nagar police and when they called the Tigiria police the latter did not receive it.
Later in the morning Asutosh with help of a local media person visited the village again and contacted the person, a mobile shop owner, who initially had the mobile. The shop owner proved his innocence by showing video of the thief which shows how the latter is bargaining to sell the mobile and agreed to help to nab the actual thief.
In the mean time, the thief had sold the phone to another person who even co-operated in finding the thief. Unfortunately, the thief fled from the village sensing danger but the phone was recovered.
“We found out the thief is residing at Vani Vihar slum and visits the village in every two to three days, sells stolen mobile phones and returns. It will definitely be a reward for me if the thief is nabbed as phones of many persons will be recovered. One more request is that police should be smart to nab such thieves,” added Asutosh.
New Delhi: Odia IPS offier Amulya Patnaik is being tipped as the next police commissioner of New Delhi. Patnaik, a UP-cadre IPS, is currently the special commissioner of New Delhi.
Senior IPS officers Deepak Mishra and Dharmendra Kumar are also in the race to be chosen as the commissioner of the national capital.
The commissioner post is now vacant after Alok Verma was appointed as the CBI chief few days ago.
A mock drill was held today from the Biju Patnaik International Airport to Hotel Mayfair where the 87 rooms have been booked for both the teams.
“We have made specific security arrangements for the two teams right from their arrival at the city airport up to Hotel Mayfair and from Hotel Mayfair to Barabati Stadium for their practice session on January 18 followed by the one day international the next day. To ensure non-stop movement of the team in the bus, traffic will be regulated accordingly. There will be a police carcade line which will escort the teams in the right and left flank. Besides, there will be a pilot vehicle in front of the bus while a police vehicle would be on the rear side of the bus during the visit of the team from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack and vice versa. If any player wants to come out of the bus, he has to inform the escort team,” Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi told media persons here.
He said for route lining, traffic and escort, 20 platoons of armed police force would be deployed.
Talking to the media after taking stock of security arrangements in Barabati Stadium later in the day, Police Commissioner YB Khurania said 63 platoons of police force have been deployed in and outside the stadium. Besides, arrangements for frequent patrolling and checking in all roads leading to Barabati stadium have been made. Apart from this, police officers and force have been deployed in the inner and outer perimeter of the stadium. “For the first time, CCTV cameras have been installed inside the stadium through which we will be able to keep a close watch on the spectators,” he added.
The Police Commissioner also requested the spectators to ensure that the match should be conducted smoothly. “It is a pride for Odisha that an international match has been allotted. Taking this into consideration, the spectators should thoroughly enjoy the match and refrain from creating disturbance during the match,” Khurania said.
Meanwhile, the pitch, on which the match would be played, is ready. Asked about the condition of the pitch, chief curator Pankaj Patnaik said Barabati stadium always has a sporting pitch favouring the batsmen and the bowlers. The team playing better will win the match.
Asked about the dew factor, Patnaik said “As we are aware that there would be dew in the evening, we have made specific arrangements. To mining the dew effect, the grass in the ground has been shortened. Besides, we will apply super soaker every hour and spray anti-dew solutions on the grass to minimise the dew logging.
Meanwhile, sale of tickets to public which had begun at the three counters of Barabati Stadium yesterday, was ended today.
Out of 15,444 tickets, 12,714 tickets were sold yesterday while the remaining 2730 tickets were sold out today.
Giving a detailed account of the annual crime rate in the twin city of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to the media at the Commissionerate Police headquarters here, he said the overall crime rate in terms of the total number of cognisable cases in these two cities has come down in 2016 as compared to last year.
“The total number of cognizable cases in 2015 was 10,906 which has come down to 10,744 in 2016,” he said.
Talking about the crimes under Excise Act, Khurania said as against 820 cases reported in 2015, 991 cases have been reported in 2016 in the twin city.
Besides, there is a rise in the crime rate under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. While 12 cases were registered in 2015 the number was more than double (34) in 2016.
As regards recovery and seizure of illegal firearms, 113 cases were registered in 2015 while 157 cases were registered in 2016. While 63 firearms were seized in 2015, 89 firearms were seized in 2016.
Referring to the atrocities on women, Khurania said while 127 rape cases were reported in 2015 of which 36 were women and 91 were minor girls, the number has gone up to 144 in 2016 in which 68 women and 76 minor girls were raped. “We have been able to apprehend the accused in 99.3 percent cases that had taken place last year,” he said, adding that under Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 27 cases were registered in 2016 as against 21 in 2015.
In firing incidents, there was a marginal fall in the number of cases (8) in 2016 compared to 2015 (10).
The police commissioner further said the riot cases as compared to 2015 (138) has gone up to 161 in 2016.
Referring to other crimes, the Police Commissioner said 64 cases of murder were registered in 2016 as compared to 61 in 2015.
Apart from this, 14 cases of dacoity were reported in 2016 while the police was able to foil dacoity bid on 17 occasions. In comparison, 21 dacoity cases were reported and 30 dacoity bid were foiled in 2015, he added.
On the contrary, 251 cases of robbery were registered last year as compared to 217 cases registered in 2015, he pointed out.
Khurania also informed that the number of burglary, theft and swindling cases have come down in 2016.
“While there were 354 cases of burglary (68 day burglary and 286 night burglary) in 2016, the number was higher (378) in 2015 (42 day burglary and 336 night burglary). Besides, 1902 theft cases (906 vehicular and 996 other theft cases) were reported in 2016 while the number was much higher (2328) in 2015 (1070 vehicular and 1258 other theft cases). Similarly, the number of swindling cases has come down substantially (746) in 2016 as compared to 830 in 2015,” he informed.
The Police Commissioner also informed that there has been a marginal fall in the number of road accidents (914) in 2016 as compared to 923 in 2015. But the number of death was 308 in 2016 as compared to 286 in 2015.
Talking about the preparations for the match, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Odisha Cricket Association, Bidyut Kumar Nayak said the ground has been made ready for net practice and the match.
“Besides, numbering of seats in the galleries has been completed while arrangements have been made for sale of tickets in the stadium counters. We have completed barricading in and outside the stadium,” Nayak added.
Asked about steps taken by the OCA on sale of tickets through cashless transaction, he said sale of tickets to affiliated members and associate members and staff of OCA would be made through cashless transaction at the OCA Conference Hall on January 14 and 15.
“In fact the cashless transaction would be made with amount exceeding Rs 2000. Those who will purchase two tickets for the galleries will pay in cash while those purchasing of a ticket for Special Enclosure (Rs 3000), New Pavilion (Rs 5000), AC Box in Gallery No-4 (Rs 5000) and Corporate Box (Rs 8000) will have to pay cash either through bank draft or debit card,” Nayak added.
He also informed that to keep watch on unruly elements, CCTV cameras have been installed at different places inside the stadium. “There has been regular review on security measures during the match. While the city DCP had a review meeting in this connection yesterday, Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Central, AB Ota and Cuttack Collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra visited the stadium to oversee the ongoing works for the ensuing match,” Nayak said.
Briefing media persons after visiting the stadium, the RDC said he had visited to the stadium to oversee the ongoing works in the stadium. “The preparations for the match are in the final stage and the remaining works will be completed much before the commencement of the match,” he noted.
Talking about the steps taken to prevent the spectators from throwing any objects at the ground, Ota said OCA has taken specific measures in this regard.
Asked whether the district administration has got more responsibility in the conduct of the match following the dissolution of OCA Managing Committee as per the directive of the Supreme Court, he said neither the district administration nor the OCA can accomplish this task alone. “The district administration and the OCA would work in tandem for successful conduct of the match,” he observed.
“Our prime responsibility is to ensure smooth traffic and crowd management. Since the match would be a day and night affair, steps are being taken to ensure smooth flow of traffic. We will also ensure that there would be no power failure in the stadium during the match. After all, it is a matter of pride for the state that an international match will be played at Barabati Stadium. Keeping this in mind, we will try our best to take all possible measures to ensure that the match would be successfully conducted, ” said the Cuttack collector.
Sources said Police Commissioner YB Khurania and senior police officials will visit the stadium tomorrow to take stock of the security measures.
Senior officials of the Commissionerate Police, Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), Bhubaneswar airport authorities and hotel owners are scheduled to attend the meeting.
Sources said the meeting will be on the arrangements for the team players and members starting from their arrival and stay in Hotel Mayfair in Bhubaneswar, net practice in Barabati Stadium till their departure after the match and the city tour.
“Police are under no pressure. In crime and criminal matters, we never feel pressurised and I can give my personal assurance on this. In this inquiry also we are under no pressure. I can assure you we are determined to find out the truth as the curiosity are there among the people. We are trying to dig into the matter and the facts which are in the video clipping,” Police Commissioner YB Khurania told media persons here.
He also said the investigation is on in the second case which has been registered in Capital Police Station to ascertain full facts.
“In these two cases, it will take some time for the police to bring out the details. I request the people to give us some more time for a successful investigation into this case,” he added.
Earlier in the day, proprietor of www.niakhunta.com Pradip Pandey, appeared before the Capital Police Station. Talking to media persons after returning from the police station, he said he had sought a copy of the FIR which was filed against him by the BMC Mayor.
“I requested the IIC of Capital Police station to give me a copy of the FIR so that I will know on what basis the complaint has been lodged against me. On my request the IIC gave me a copy of the FIR. The FIR has been registered under section 500 of the IPC which means defamation. What I want to say that a complaint case is registered under section 500 of the IPC. For the first time in my career in journalism, I have seen that instead of a CR (complaint register) case, a GR (genera register) case has been lodged under this section of the IPC which is very sensitive. I will thoroughly go through this FIR and give reply to each allegations made against me by the Mayor,” Pandey said.
He further said nowhere in the video clipping it was said that it was the Mayor. “Rather we had asked the viewers to judge by the face and voice of the man. Surprisingly, the Mayor suddenly came from nowhere telling that the man in the video clipping has no resemblance with him. From this, you can better know whether the Mayor is telling the truth or not,” he pointed out.
Talking about the genuineness of the video clipping, Pandey said the police will get the details only after it is examined in the forensic laboratory. “But I am confident that this video clipping is genuine and the death and murder of Rishi was due to this video. The death of Rishi was not unnatural. It was a murder,” he asserted.
Pandey also said the video which has been circulated in YouTube was recorded two years ago. “This video, which was with Rishi, has enough proof which you will know subsequently,” he told media persons.
Students, youth, sportsperson, cine stars and politicians reached the KIIT Stadium at an early morning today to participate in the OTV Mini Marathon. The eight-km mini marathon route, from the KIIT Stadium to the 7th Battalion ground, was dotted with runners wearing white T-shirts provided by the OTV.
Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Kumar Patasani, Bhubaneswar North MLA Priyadarshi Mishra and Police Commissioner YB Khurania flagged off the OTV Mini Marathon at the KIIT Stadium in presence of eminent sportspersons such as Dutee Chand, Amiya Mallick, Saina Salonika and Anuradha Biswal and OTV Director Jagi Mangat Panda.
Also read: Tata Steel Bhubaneswar Half Marathon on Jan 8
Addressing the gathering Police Commissioner YB Khurania said, "We are standing here in solidarity with 78 million people suffering from HIV and also remember 35 million people who have lost their lives because of HIV. At a time when the United Nations has set a goal for 2030 for elimination of HIV, I must congratulate the OTV for organising the mini marathon on the occasion of the World AIDS Day to help in spreading awareness on the disease."
At the seventh battalion ground, the end point of the mini marathon, a band performance was organised which was attended by some front-runner cine stars including Babusan.
Earlier, the Aerobic team of the Bhubaneswar Health Club performed at the KIIT stadium before the start of the mini marathon.
Eyewitnesses said the three youths riding the black Pulser without registration number attacked the six people in the beard knife injuring them on face, hand and neck. The three miscreants also looted valuables from some passersby.
The injured were rushed to the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar for treatment.
A poilce team immediately reached the spot to investigate the matter.
Twin City Police Commissioner YB Khurania said, “One of the three attackers, identified as Amit Mohapatra of Goutam Nagar area in the city, was nabbed near Rupali square. The police have launched a manhunt to catch two others of Laxmisagar area who are on the run.”
He added the nabbed attacker is a student.
More details are awaited.
Describing the situation to be ‘different’ had Justice Katju made comments on people of other States like the one on Odias, former Police Commissioner of Mumbai Arup Patnaik said, “The motive of the honourable person (Katju) to let down one race with such sarcastic remarks should be found out. Had the honourable person given such comments against the Jat of Haryana, Marathas of Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray or Raj Thackeray, the situations could be imagined easily.”
Patnaik asked, “Why we (Odias) are targeted with this joke? Are we Santa Banta?”
The former senior police official continued, “He (Katju) believes by giving such statements he would grab the limelight.”
“If a case has been registered against the person (Katju), cognisance should be taken and the matter should be followed-up with the help of a good lawyer. The person against whom the complaint has been lodged should undergo a custodial interrogation. I believe some concrete action is required at the moment.”
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Katju received a flower bouquet and a "get well soon" card from the Delhi Odia Students Association. This was informed by Katju himself through a facebook post.
Katju, who had dubbed Odias as "poor" and "humorless" in his earlier post, announced he has changed his opinion on Odias.
"While earlier I regarded most of you as stupid and humourless, now I regard you as smart and with a sense of humour (as all intelligent people have). And my perception about you changed suddenly due to an event which happened in the last half an hour or so," Katju wrote.
Also read: Justice Katju apologises for Facebook comments on Odias
Narrating the event, Katju said: "I was having lunch with my wife a short while back at my residence in Noida, when my servant informed me that some young men had come to meet me."
"I told him to allow the young men to enter, and ask them to be seated in my sitting room till I have finished lunch. The domestic help went out, and within a minute came back with a large beautiful bouquet of flowers, and a note. He said that the young men had just given this bouquet and note to him, and gone away," Katju said.
Later, Katju narrated that he handed the bouquet to his wife, who was delighted, as all ladies are, to get flowers, and then glanced at the note.
"These were the words written on it: ‘Get well soon Mr Katju. Jai Jagannath. Delhi Odia Students Association’,” wrote Katju.
Talking to media persons, Khurania said, “We have got substantial lead in the UCO Bank dacoity case. Apart from Odisha, where they are wanted in seven cases, the dacoit gang is involved in more than 20 bank loots in Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.”
He further stated, “As the investigation has reached a crucial stage, it would be inappropriate to reveal much details.”
Notably, five armed miscreants on September 28 looted over Rs 13 lakh and one kg gold ornaments from the UCO bank in Bapujinagar between 9:30 and 10:30 am when few customers were inside the branch.
Also Read: Armed miscreants loot Rs13L, 1kg gold from UCO bank
The five looters initially terrorised the customers and bank staff with revolver. After taking all under their control, they managed to get the money from the locker. They had also taken around one kg of mortgaged gold which was inside the locker.
Police investigation showed the bank has neither any security arrangement nor alarm system. The miscreants also took away the hard disk of the CCTV camera in a car.
Talking to media persons here, Khurania said, “At this stage it would be premature to say anything on the matter. Getting clicked with someone at different occasions is not an issue. However, we will probe when and why the pictures were taken and whether the nature of relationship of these police officers with the accused had any impact on their work.”
Notably, eight businessmen had filed complaints alleging accused Prabhat Muduli and Pramod Dora defrauded more than Rs 50 lakh on the pretext of providing contracts for cold drinks and other products supply.
Demanding a probe into the nexus between the police officials and the accused the businessmen today staged a dharna in front of the Commissionerate Police headquarters building before meeting the Police Commissioner.
Bhikari Sahu, a defrauded businessman, said, “We want refund of our money and a thorough probe into the shady deal.”
Feigning ignorance about the activities of the Muduli and Dora and denying of allegations of influencing the probe,
Bimala Barik, IIC, Markatnagar Police Station, said, “I have not asked the arrested persons to commit the crime. Had I requested the investigating official to release the duo, I would have been involved in the crime.”
Circulation of the photos of five Inspectors with the two fraudsters in the media has left many tongues wagging in the city.
Havildar Ranjan Rout and four APR personnel, who were part of the escort party, are also among the suspended cops, Khurania added.
“The action was taken after a preliminary inquiry,” the Police Commissioner stated, adding the detailed inquiry, which will be held subsequently, will reveal why and how the incident took place and who else are involved in Patu’s escape.
The Bhubaneswar DCP has said, “The cops were suspended due to negligence in their duties as understood from prima facie evidence.”
Declining to elaborate on the plans to capture Patu, the DCP further stated, “We are hopeful of rearresting him soon.”
Notably, Patu was admitted to the SCB hospital after being injured in police firing during an encounter with police at Ghatikia in Bhubaneswar three days back. However, he managed to give the slip while being taken to the Orthopaedic ward of the hospital for a plaster of the injured ankle. While waiting for the doctor at the ward, Patu took permission from an APR personnel to roam nearby saying he was feeling nausea. Before the policemen on duty realised it, the criminal managed to escape.
This is not for the first time Patu has managed to give the slip to police as he had managed to flee while undergoing treatment at the Capital Hospital during his earlier arrest.
Besides, Khurania informed OTV that action will be taken against five APR personnel who were on duty accompanying Patu in the hospital.
Raids are being conducted at different places in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to recapture Patu, the Commissioner added.
Patu was admitted to the hospital after being injured in police firing during an encounter at Ghatikia here two days back.
Sources said the Patu managed to give the slip while being taken to the Orthopaedic ward of the hospital for a plaster of the injured ankle. While waiting for the doctor at the ward, Patu took permission from an APR personnel to roam nearby saying he was feeling nausea. Before the policemen on duty realised, the criminal managed to escape, sources added.
Bhubananda Maharana, Emergency Officer of the SCB hospital said, “Patu was admitted to the hospital on March 3 night following a referral from the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar after sustaining gunshot injuries. On the advice of an Orthopaedic specialist, he was brought to the ward for the plaster along with police personnel and a hospital attendant. But, at around 12.45 pm the attendant reported that the patient had absconded from the hospital. We have informed the Mangalabag police regarding the escape.”
Notably, Patu had sustained bullet injuries on his ankle in a police encounter at Ghatikia area here late on Wednesday night. When a special team of Commissionerate Police tried to nab him, Patu had opened three rounds of bullet at the police team.
In reply, the special team fired two rounds of bullets at Patu in which he sustained bullet injuries on his ankle.
Earlier, Patu was arrested on charges of firing during a loot in Bhimatangi area in Bhubaneswar and lodged at the Jharapada jail. However, he had managed to flee while undergoing treatment at the Capital Hospital on that occasion too.
“The 2019 elections will be certainly difficult keeping in view the massive rallies by various political parties and VVIP visits and security arrangements need to be made simultaneously with regular crime control. But despite the challenges, the Commissionerate Police had successfully conducted the 2014 elections and the experience will certainly come handy in 2019,” said Mohanty.
Mohanty further informed that the recently concluded international events will also provide an experience to the officers in organising events in hassle-free manner. Moreover, the focus of Commissionerate Police in 2019 will be on curbing illegal narcotics and firearm trade in the twin cities, he added.
“Though we have been successful in busting several rackets, the roots of narcotics trade spread beyond Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. We need to go to the supply source and we are taking assistance of EOW and special task force as well. Our effort is to make Cuttack and Bhubaneswar crime-free,” said Mohanty.
A panel of the State BJP led by party vice president, Samir Mohanty on Tuesday submitted a letter, addressed to the Election Commission of India (ECI), to the CEO stating that the State Intelligence Branch of the Odisha Police comes under the direct supervision and control of the Election Commission after the declaration of the election dates and the enforcement of the model code of conduct. However, in an utter disregard to the code of conduct, Sunil Roy, Special DG (Intelligence) allegedly carried out a review of the CM's Assembly constituency and submitted a report.
[caption id="attachment_359115" align="alignnone" width="720"] State BJP Yuva Morcha president, Tankadhar Tripathy Showing the Report on Monday[/caption]
The State DG also hastily claimed the review report, which is making rounds in social media, as fake (through a tweet) without even investigating the authenticity of the report. Such action shows that the State Police are working on behalf of the ruling-BJD in Odisha, alleged Mohanty.
[caption id="attachment_359256" align="alignnone" width="750"] Odisha BJP Vice President Samir Mohanty, After Meeting CEO on Tuesday[/caption]
"The way RP Sharma and Sunil Roy showed their promptness in the matter, it reflects that they are part of and working for the BJD. It's a gross violation of the poll code of conduct. So, we have demanded action against both the officers," said Mohanty, adding that the party has also requested a probe by the CBI or NIA to ascertain the authenticity of the letter.
Addressing a presser, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb termed the report as fake and said, "There is no section in the Intelligence Directorate called SIB Political Desk. The number on the intelligence report was also the same as that on the letter doing the rounds during the 2018 Karnataka Assembly polls."
[caption id="attachment_359257" align="alignnone" width="750"] BJD Spokesperson Pratap Deb's Press Briefing on Tuesday[/caption]
He further lashed out at the BJP alleging that the saffron party is trying to spread lies and mislead people. "People of Odisha should know how the BJP is involved in such cheap politics and vehemently trying to mislead public opinion. Why is BJP so afraid of Naveen Patnaik contesting from Bijepur? Has Naveen's decision scrambled BJP's political equations? Is there any political motive behind this?" Pratap Deb asked.
Responding to the BJD's allegations, BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra says, "As BJD is on the backfoot, the party is making such claims. We had received the letter from social media & the matter should be handed over to CBI to ascertain the authenticity of the letter."
Besides, State BJP spokesperson Pitambar Acharya dared Odisha police to arrest the saffron party leaders over the intelligence report allegedly prepared by Odisha Police Intelligence Branch.
Responding to allegations of #BJD leader Pratap Deb, State BJP spokesperson Pitambar Acharya dares #Odisha police to arrest the saffron party leaders over the intelligence report purportedly prepared by Odisha Police Intelligence Branch #Elections2019 pic.twitter.com/Xv1EXlBi9A
— OTV (@otvnews) March 19, 2019
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Satyajit Mohanty said that several things show that the report is fake and investigation is on to ascertain the origin of the 'fake' report. "No case has been filed against any person in connection with the incident. Those, who were in the press meet and produced the document, will be asked about the origin of the report," Mohanty added.
[caption id="attachment_359258" align="alignnone" width="750"] Police Commissioner Satyajit Mohanty[/caption]
On Monday, BJP produced a letter allegedly of Odisha Police Intelligence Branch, which recommended that Naveen Patnaik should not contest from Hinjili Assembly seat due to public resentment and also recommended alternate constituencies to contest in 2019 polls. The saffron party also alleged that out of fear, the CM has run to Bijepur Assembly constituency.
This was revealed after re- investigation was carried out by senior officials following directions from DCP Cuttack. As there were similarities in the name of the original accused and the youth arrested, the investigating officer committed the mistake.
The investigation officer had arrested Chandan mistaking him to be the miscreant wanted in a particular case.
"We will take actions against the investigating officer and will move Court for releasing the arrested youth soon," Mohanty said.
According to sources, the Commissionerate Police had arrested Chandan Maharana of Chandini Chowk area a week ago on the basis of a Non Bailable Warrant (NBW) allegedly issued against him for his alleged involvement in a case in Sikharpur area of Cuttack in 2013.
Alleging that Chandan was being implicated in a false case, family members and other local residents had staged a demonstration and gheraoed Lalbagh Police station on March 19.
As per reports, the man along with several other persons thrashed the accused teacher on charges of harassment. The mob also tonsured the accused. Following the incident, the teacher as well as the girl's family had lodged complaints at Mancheswar Police Station.
"Based on the complaints from both sides, we had arrested the teacher on allegations of harassing the girl. Furthermore, we had filed a case against the persons involved in manhandling the teacher and have arrested the girl's father today for violating the law," informed Police Commissioner, Satyajit Mohanty.
In March, the gang members had demanded Rs 1crore from the businessman but he had refused to give them money. In order to threaten him, two members of the gang had opened fire at the security guard outside the complainant’s office and fled the spot.
Acting on a specific input, the police laid a trap and arrested six members of the gang. During interrogation, the accused confessed that they had opened fire at the security guard in order to threaten the owner and extort money from him.
The owner of the catering business also informed that one of the accused was working with him.
"Six members of a extortion gang were arrested, including a person who had opened fire at the security guard. A pistol was also seized from the possession of the accused, " informed Satyajit Mohanty, Police Commissioner.
"The gang was threatening and extorting money from the businessman. The prime accused had hired two persons and directed them to threaten the businessmen with a country-made pistol, when he denied to give money," informed Bhubaneswar DCP Anup Sahoo.
The Tamil Nadu government appointed Tripathy in place of T.K. Rajendran. Tripathy, a 1985 batch IAS officer, had completed his education at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Tripathy currently holds the post of Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board and was also the Chennai City Police Commissioner. He will hold the office as Tamil Nadu DGP for a fixed tenure of two years i.e till 2021.
Tamil Nadu government today also appointed K. Shanmugam, as Chief Secretary. Shanmugam is presently working as Additional Chief Secretary in Finance Department. He will replace incumbent Girija Vaidyanthan who retires on June 30.
Besides, 224 grams of brown sugar, 54 kgs of ganja and more than one lakh rupees were seized by the cops. Several vehicles including cars and bikes were also seized during this period.
Meanwhile, residents of the capital city have started protesting illegal sale of brown sugar in their respective areas.
“While interrogating the arrested persons we come to know that they bring brown sugar to Bhubaneswar from other districts and State. However, we will further intensify our drive and conduct special drives on regular basis to check inflow of brown sugar into Bhubaneswar,” informed Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner, Satyajit Mohanty.
As per reports, smugglers are finding new methods of smuggling the contraband item in Bhubaneswar following the active drive of the city police. They have also reportedly doubled the price of brown sugar.
Even though the cops are still clueless about the psycho killer, special teams have been formed to nab the accused while checking has been intensified.
Police Commissioner Satyajit Mohanty today informed that as a sharp weapon was used to execute three murders and all the victims were sleeping on footpath, we suspect that the criminal could be psychopath.
“As the pattern of murder is same and crime has been executed without any motive, we suspected the involvement of one person. We have formed a special core investigation team and we will nab the culprit soon,” said Mohanty said.
The top cop further rubbished certain reports in media that the killer has headed to Bhubaneswar. “There is no reason to panic as all such are rumours,” he added.
Senior police officials informed that already special efforts have been taken to intensify patrolling in Cuttack. Not only Cuttack, similar drives have also been undertaken in Bhubaneswar while the entire operation is being monitored by the Police Commissioner.
Apart from Commissionerate Police, Government Railway Police (GRP) has also undertaken special measures for the protection of homeless under its jurisdiction.
The 1990 batch IPS, who has a doctorate in investigative psychology to his credit, has been a tech-savvy cop. When the arrested accused (stoneman) gave a slip to the Silk city cops while being transported from Andhra Pradesh in 2000, the then Berhampur SP Sudanshu Sarangi used technology to the hilt to track down and nab the accused.
As then PCO and landlines were in vogue, Berhampur police led by SP Sarangi put an electronic gadget in a nearby video parlour, which flashed the number of the caller, the moment he made a call. Tracking the number, cops pinned the location of the accused and nabbed him.
As SP in Berhampur, Sarangi had tightened the screws on factors like liquor that seed crimes. He notified an order then that prohibited, with a penal provision, liquor consumption in mass festivals like Durga Puja immersion processions. And the accountability had been fixed on the Puja Committee presidents.
Sarangi seems to have a clear-headed concept on liquor and its nuisance. Quite active in social media, Sarangi has spoken against liquor consumption by baaratis during marriage functions.
The puja time in the Twin city is round the corner, starting from September 2 (Ganesh Chaturthi), and given the trend observed over years in Bhubaneswar, the immersion ceremonies here have dozens of 'high' revellers, who never give two hoots to law and traffic order.
An important reminder here is post taking the charge as DGP, Bijay Sharma has outlined his major priorities - utilising technology to track crime & criminals and also to ensure a safe and secure Puja season. And the reshuffle at top level tells the tale.
However, for the new twin city commissioner, there are challenges galore as crime today is not all in black and white.
The street crimes (robbery, snatchings), murders and dacoities are acquiring a monstrous proportion in the twin city, which pose a threat to the law and order problem in the Commissionerate jurisdiction.
What looks embarrassing for the Commissionerate police is, despite the Capital city not being a border town, criminals quite easily give a slip to the cops post the crime.
Police records reveal how the Commissionerate police was found wanting, when criminals released on bail re-grouped to perpetrate sinister crimes. What is wanting in the state here is 24x7 surveillance of released criminals or history-sheeters, like metros. Worse, the Commissionerate Police reportedly have no full-proof database of criminals in the twin city police area.
Moreover, the Beat Police System here is intended at patrolling. But in metros like Mumbai, the beat officers are tasked to identify top criminals of their beats.
Above all, the rising crimes (rapes to trafficking) against minor girl child is a raging problem in the twin city. Since this is a crime linked with psychology, it will put Sarangi's expertise to test. Also, the rising cybercrimes in the twin city will take a skill test of this tech-savvy cop.
However, as the Poilce Commissionerate is acutely hit by manpower, the resource management of new Commissioner will be put on to test. Only 2,400 police personnel are there to maintain law and order. The police-population ratio stood at mere 171 cops per lakh population.
Lodging a complaint at Capital Police Station against the CP, Sahu said that he had gone to meet Sarangi on October 21 to hold discussions with him on some issues regarding establishment of a petrol pump after meeting Odisha Governor; however, the cop not only allegedly refused to entertain him, but also misbehaved by pushing and shoving him.
“We wanted an NOC for a petrol pump. We had shot a requisition letter to the Odisha Governor and later I took a letter forwarded by the Governor to meet the CP since he is the approving authority of NOC, but surprisingly he behaved very rudely,” alleged Sahu.
Criticizing Sarangi for the incident, Sahu said, “I have known many bureaucrats, I have never ever seen such an officer who is not even listening to people’s grievances. I urge the police to get a CCTV video footage of the entire incident and probe the matter.”
Sahu condemned the incident and said it is the reality of the government’s much-hyped 5T and Mo Sarkar initiative. “I am really concerned that while the government is boasting about Mo Sarkar, people like us are facing such harassment; and just imagine what would be the condition of general public.”
Sahu also informed that the association has apprised the Home Secretary and DGP Odisha and also threatened that if the government does not take it seriously, all petrol pumps will go on strike.
On the other hand, CP Sarangi refuted the allegations leveled against him and clarified that even though he could not hold any discussions with Sahu, he did not misbehave with him.
“I was busy for a scheduled Kali Puja coordination meeting in Cuttack just immediately after monitoring the visit of former Uttar Pradesh CM and their Ex-Police Commissioner’s visit to Odisha. So when the gentleman (Sahu) came to me to discuss his grievances, I asked him politely to come after taking an appointment and also assured him to look into the matter, but he tried to pressurize me saying that it is Governor’s order. But even though I sent him away, later next day, I sent some officials to find him so that I could discuss with him, but it has been four days, he has been elusive, which we think is because he wants to make it a big issue,” Sarangi said.
“At a time when we are trying to give supreme importance to public service, if a person tries to put undue pressure on us because he thinks that he has close links with someone like the CM or the Governor, how can we win the trust of general public who have no such connections,” said the commissioner.
Time and again, Sarangi has been hailed for his responsive administration which is evident through his interactions with the public on social networking sites.
In yet another attempt to encourage interaction with the masses, Sarangi today took to his Twitter account to host information about a LIVE session on AMA (Ask Me Anything) which, he said, he would be holding on Twitter on December 14, 2019. In order to strike a conversation with the people, Sarangi asked them to use hashtag #AskYourCP to send their questions. The deadline for submitting questions is December 12 (8 PM).
"In continuing efforts to reach out to citizens I will be holding a Live Q&A on Twitter. Hope to answer as many questions as possible. Please hashtag #AskYourCP to send your question by 12 Dec. Looking forward to the session on 14 Dec at 5 PM," tweeted Sarangi.
In continuing efforts to reach out to citizens I will be holding a Live Q&A on Twitter.Hope to answer as many questions as possible. Please hashtag #AskYourCP to send your question by 12 Dec.Looking forward to the session on 14 Dec at 5 PM.@TwitterIndia @Cpbbsrctc @CMO_Odisha pic.twitter.com/32IcYl7qP0
— Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi (@SarangiSudhansu) December 9, 2019
He interacts with children as well. Recently when Sarangi met two kids- Aahrav & Aanyaa, at his office, the siblings were curious to know why children in India are scared of cops. Here's how Sarangi responded to their 'innocent' queries.
Q. Singapore children are scared of strangers, not the Cops. Why are children in India scared of cops?
A. Fear is created by elders, police is used to scare crying babies without realising how damaging creating such fear is for society, we must all work for a new India free of such irrational fear.
Q. What do you study to be a cop?
A. Anything, but you have to be very good at studies to join the police. Once you join the police we will then train you as a Cop.
State capital Lucknow and UP's economic capital Noida will now have an additional director general-level officer as police commissioner, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told reporters after chairing the meeting of the state Cabinet that took the decision.
A little later, the government announced the names of the state's first police commissioners -- IPS officer Sujit Pandey for Lucknow and Alok Singh for Noida.
The system is already in place in several cities across the country including New Delhi and gives more powers, including magisterial powers, to police officers.
"For the last 50 years there was a demand for strengthening of law and order and smart policing. But due to lack of political will, this work could not be done for so many years, Adityanath said.
He said the courts put police in the dock for not taking timely action. We have taken the biggest step towards the reform of the police department, he added.
The functioning of the commissioner system in the two cities will be reviewed after six months, he said.
Under the new system 40 police stations in Lucknow will be under the police commissioner, who will have a team of two inspector general-rank officers as joint commissioners, nine superintendent of police-rank officers, an SP-rank woman officer and an ASP-rank woman officer, the chief minister said.
The two women officers will deal exclusively with cases related to crime against women.
Under the ADG-rank officer as commissioner in Noida, there will be two DIGs, five SPs, an SP-rank woman officer and an ASP-rank officer for traffic control.
According to the 2011 census, Lucknow had a population of around 29 lakh that now has reached 40 lakh. The population of Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) was 16 lakh then and is now 25 lakh, Adityanath said.
The Cabinet also approved setting up two new police stations in Noida, he said.
A network of CCTV cameras will also be set up in these two districts, he said.
Asked if other major cities in the state will also switch to the police commissioner system, the CM said whatever steps are needed for better law and order will be taken.
Uttar Pradesh police chief O P Singh welcomed the move that gives the police commissioner the powers of an executive magistrate, saying under the earlier system the police had to depend on the district administration.
The Cabinet also approved seven other proposals.
Among these was the revision of expenditure on four-laning of the Sonauli-Gorakhpur-Deoria-Ballia road and the transfer of municipal land in Bareilly for the construction of a prison.
(PTI)
The entire stretch of road from Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan is one of the busiest roads in the city. The traffic capacity has been increased by four times owing to massive development and a new connecting link between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar with the recent opening of a new bridge.
Terming the recent death of a minor boy after an ambulance allegedly got stuck in traffic for long in Bhubaneswar as unfortunate, Sarangi said, “It was an unfortunate incident and there is no need to debate on what circumstances led to it as it is a sensitive issue. We have not given any statement so far and we can understand the pain of the family.”
Sarangi further said, "Only the treating doctors can say what had happened to the boy and what his health condition was. But from the recent debate on the incident, we can say that massive awareness needs to be created among people."
“An ambulance usually takes 14 hours from Koraput to Cuttack and three hours for an emergency vehicle to reach Cuttack from Berhampur. We need to first analyse the health condition of the patient with prior consultation with experts and doctors as there are three types of ambulances including the ones with basic and advanced life support. There is no link between patient’s transfer with traffic and we do not know how it got linked in Bhubaneswar incident,” Sarangi clarified.
As a lot of major hospitals are located in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, hundreds of vehicles from different parts of the State are engaged in transportation of patients. Usually, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is followed where a traffic personnel in a particular junction shares information to the personnel in the next junction so that road is cleared in advance.
“Usually there is tendency to shift patients quickly to hospitals. But emphasis should be given on transferring the critically ill patients in the right type of ambulance and with the suggestion of doctors,” the Police Commissioner said.
On ‘Green Corridor’ for ambulances, the Police Commissioner said, “Green Corridor is not required for all medical situations as ambulances with ventilator supports are termed as ICU on wheels. In case of the recent cadaver transplant, we had created a green corridor for transporting the organs which was same as per the SOP followed elsewhere. When doctors feel they make requests for green corridor and special provisions are made as well.”
Sarangi further urged motorists to give way once they hear siren of an ambulance. “People should either move right or left or stop for a while to allow the ambulance overtake,” he added.
Chief secretary Asit Tripathy informed that the twin cities continue to be under lockdown restrictions.
Also Read: COVID-19 Lockdown Blow: Unemployment Rate In Odisha Zooms To 4-Yr High In March!
"While the agriculture sector is being cautiously opened up there will be not much change in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack as far as rhythm of lives of citizens is considered. The twin cities continue to be under lockdown restrictions. Pls continue to observe stay at home & be safe!" tweeted the chief secretary.
While the agriculture sector is being cautiously opened up there will be not much change in Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack as far as rhythm of lives of citizens is considered. The twin city continues to be under lockdown restrictions.Pls continue to observe ‘stay at home & be safe !’
— ChiefSecyOdisha (@SecyChief) April 19, 2020
Following the central government guidelines, the state government has relaxed certain restrictions for agriculture and allied activities during the second phase of lockdown in the state.
As the state government has intensified sample testing in the capital city, the chief secretary informed that more than 2,500 samples were taken in 3 days.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that lockdown status will continue in the capital city to contain the spread of COVID-19 till a review of the situation.
The Lock down status in #Bhubaneswar will continue as such to contain the spread of #COVID19 till review of the situation.
Residents of #Bhubaneswar are requested to kindly bear with us and co-operate.@CMO_Odisha @SecyChief @SarangiSudhansu @cpbbsrctc @IPR_Odisha @HFWOdisha
— BMC (@bmcbbsr) April 19, 2020
Bhubaneswar has turned into a Covid-19 hotspot reporting 46 positive cases out of total 61 cases in Odisha.
Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi said the lockdown restrictions in place in Bhubaneswar city limits since March 22 will continue until further orders.
"So, please do not expect any change tomorrow, i.e. on 20 April. The situation is under review. We request citizens for their continued co-operation," said Sarangi.
He said the state government employees in Bhubaneswar are requested to show identity card and letter from head of the office mobilising for duty and police personnel will let them go.
For State Government Employees in Bhubaneswar, they are requested to show identity card & letter from head of office mobilising for duty & police personnel will let you go.
No vehicle pass is required for them.— Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi (@SarangiSudhansu) April 19, 2020
Also Read: COVID-19 Lockdown: Odisha Asks Collectors To Ensure Safety Of Women In Shelter Camps
IT & ITES companies in Bhubaneswar are requested to continue with present Work from Home arrangement and function with a maximum of 25 percent staff coming to office, said Sarangi.
IT & ITES Companies in Bhubaneswar are requested to continue with present Work from Home arrangement & function with a maximum of 25 % staff coming to office. They will be allowed on showing Company I card & email showing that they are part of the 25 % asked to come to office.
— Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi (@SarangiSudhansu) April 19, 2020
(With IANS Inputs)
The decision was taken in pursuance of an Orissa High Court order, issued on Wednesday, after many puja committees in Cuttack filed petitions against the government decision to restrict the height of idols to four feet. However Sarangi made it clear that those who are against the order could seek justice in the High Court. The final decision is subject to any further modification by the High Court, he said.
“I should not say more about the issue as it is under the jurisdiction of the honourable High Court. As per the feedback I have received from different sources, most people understand the situation. They are happy with the state government’s decision of not allowing idols of Goddess Durga to be more than four feet,” he said.
Sarangi urged people to be responsible while observing the 10-day festivities. “Everybody understands the poor conditions of the market due to Covid-19 situation. They want to keep the puja a low key affair this year. We can celebrate puja in a grand way next year when the situation improves,” he added.
Read More
Green Signal For Durga Puja Celebration Sans Devotees In Cuttack
Speaking to the media, Sarangi added that the probe is on and the police will take action based on the truth and evidence.
“We are not in a position to divulge the facts of an ongoing investigation. When the time comes, we will definitely share the outcome of our investigation,” Sarangi said.
“Anything I say now could influence the probe,” added Sarangi.
On August 30, the mother of the survivor had lodged a formal police complaint with the police in connection with the alleged incident.
Meanwhile, questions are being raised on the pace & direction of the ongoing investigation conducted by the Commissionerate Police as the police do not seem to leave any stone unturned in questioning several senior employees of OTV in connection with a taped conversation which the channel had released in response to leaked tapes aired by some government-influenced channels pertaining to the sexual harassment allegations.
Also Read:
OTV Submits Internal Committee Findings To Police On Gang Rape allegations
Bhubaneswar Minor Gang Rape Case: Suspect Cops Yet To Be Identified By Commissionerate Police
While talking to reports, Sarangi informed that preliminary investigation indicates that at least four persons were working at the mishap site.
“So far, one person has succumbed to his injuries and another person is critical. We have spoken with the third person who is safe while the whereabouts of the fourth person is still unknown,” said Sarangi adding that IOCL had engaged the four persons for some work.
Under whose supervision the entire work, which was continuing for the past few days was underway, is also being probed, police said.
When asked about the recovery of human body parts from the mishap site, Sarangi said that the body remains will be sent for forensic and DNA tests if needed.
According to Sarangi, a case under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 285, 286, 337, 338 has been registered by the Capital Police Station and DCP Bhubaneswar into the incident.
The Police Commissioner further stated that it will take more time to understand the chain of events and exactly what work was going on at the fuel station when the blast followed a fire.
Following the incident, fire tenders brought the situation under control. Already, the LPG has been removed along with diesel at the fuel station. The work for removal of petrol will be completed within the next two to three hours, the Police Commissioner informed.
“Our team will also visit the spot where a crater has been created at the site for further investigation,” Sarangi added.
This is very much an active site. The security precautions and restrictions on road traffic will continue till we declare the place safe. We expect operations to end by 2 PM today.@DCP_TRAFFIC @dcpbbsr @odisha_police @IndianOilcl
— COMMISSIONERATE POLICE (@cpbbsrctc) October 8, 2020
Also Read: Bhubaneswar Petrol Pump Blast: Family Searches For ‘Missing’ Ganjam Youth
Police Commissioner, Sudhanshu Sarangi today informed that a special campaign, “No To Extortion” has been launched in the twin city of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
The police will soon hold a meeting with vulnerable groups- businessmen, contractors and citizens- at police station level in this regard.
Moreover, an Anti-Extortion Task Force will function under Additional Police Commissioner, Rekha Lohani. Quick Action Team (QAT) of Commissionerate Police will assist the Anti-Extortion Task Force.
A special helpline number will start where people can lodge complaints or give information about criminals demanding extortion. The names of callers/ complainants will be kept secret and such persons will be awarded,” said the Police Commissioner.
A list of criminals, who are indulging in extorting money, will be prepared at police station level in the twin city of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
Sending a stern warning to gangsters and criminals who indulge in extorting money, the Police Commissioner said, “Stern legal action will be taken against the criminals. Steps are being taken to appoint public prosecutors so that criminals do not get bail easily. The criminals will be booked under NSA, if needed.”
“We are committed to ensure that people do not have to pay any protection money to criminals. We sought help from people to make the twin city free from extortion,” Sarangi added.
Also Read: No Time To Lower Guard Against COVID-19 Despite Cases Declining: ILS Director
To put a lease on the steady rise in the cases of Covid-19, the State police have begun a special drive from Wednesday.
According to police sources, surveillance has been intensified in market places, malls, schools, colleges and other educational institutions. Some people have been penalised for violating the guidelines in market places too. Special emphasis is laid on the enforcement of mask use and maintenance of social distancing norms.
“We have intensified raids at various places where Covid-19 norms were allegedly violated and penalised people by levying heavy fines. We appeal people to maintain all Covid-19 norms including wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing,” said Priyadarshi.
Here are few scenes of police crackdown in Bhubaneswar.
Sarangi made the statement while appearing for a special programme on Road Safety aired on OTV on Monday and said, "The advent of technology is making people lazier and hence, they are inviting diseases. Walking and cycling for commute is a healthy alternative to stay fit. So everybody, especially youths should spare some time and use cycles."
Speaking about the ever growing traffic congestion in the Twin City, Sarangi said, "The traffic congestion could be lessened if people use cycles instead of vehicles. There are some people who make it a point to park their vehicles in front of the shop they intend to go into. They should park at the designated parking places and walk to their destinations."
On rising cases of road accidents, Sarangi said, "This is not normal to disobey traffic rules. If we consider disobeying rules as normal, abnormal things like mishaps will happen with us."
"We have given a proposal to the NHAI to make arrangements for queue-driving between Bhubaneswar-Cuttack. I think, the proposal will be materialised within 2-3 months," informed Sarangi.
The National Road Safety Week is usually observed from January 11 to 17 every year but this year, the Ministry of Transport and Highways have decided to observe the event as National Road Safety Month from January 18 to February 17.
Speaking on the same, the Commissioner said, "Even though we tightened the rules and increased the fine, it was observed that many commuters were still not obeying rules. So, it was decided to create more awareness among masses by extending the Road Safety Week to a month."
It is pertinent to mention here that various awareness events including bike rallies, female two-wheeler rider rallies and meetings on road safety were held across Odisha to mark the beginning of the National Road Safety Month on Monday.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)
“From an analysis of the available data, we have found that cyber criminals have duped over Rs 1.4 crore from people in different parts of the State. The Commissionerate Police has been able to block transactions worth Rs 7.19 lakhs. 239 SIM cards used to make such fraudulent calls have been blocked so far,” said Sarangi.
Sarangi said that the newly set-up Cybercrime Helpdesk received over 1200 complaints from distressed citizens who reportedly fell prey to the various swindle ploys of online fraudsters.
Out of the 1200 complaints, 368 were from Bhubaneswar alone.
The Police Commissioner said that already a proposal for setting up a dedicated cybercrime police station in Bhubaneswar has been submitted to the State government and the Odisha Police. The proposed unit is likely to come up this year, he added.
#Odisha: Commissionerate Police launches help-desk with emergency helpline number 7440006709 to redress Cyber Crime-related complaints.
— OTV (@otvnews) January 7, 2021
On a positive note, the Commissioner said, due to spread of awareness, people are not sharing personal information or OTPs whenever they receive anonymous calls from fraudsters.
Analysis of data has also revealed that most of the fraudulent calls were made from Jharkhand, Deoghar in Bihar, some villages in West Bengal, Rajasthan, Kerala and other parts of the country.
“Most of the fraud calls were traced to other States while a few originated from Odisha,” said Sarangi.
The Police Commissioner said that the main objective of the Helpdesk is to provide immediate assistance to victims of online fraud during the initial hours. "We appeal people to immediately share phone numbers from which they are getting such fraud calls," he said.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
A ‘Love Letter’ from the traffic police will follow your on-road antics and take you by surprise when it lands right at your doorstep, asking you to pay up the fine.
This because you may not have thought many eyes are keeping a close watch on you and the traffic cops are constantly monitoring the footage sitting at the control room.
“Don’t ever think that you can escape action after violating the traffic rules. You will definitely be caught one day and punished for the offence. If you manage to escape the traffic police, a ‘Love Letter’ will be sent to your home by the police asking you to pay up the fine,” said Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi.
Needless to say traffic police personnel will scan through the footage of CCTVs installed at various squares to nail the traffic offenders.
Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of month-long Traffic Awareness Month on Wednesday, Sarangi said Rs 25 crore has already been collected as fine from traffic offenders in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar within one year after the stricter traffic rules came into effect.
“On the basis of CCTV footages, around 350 challans are being issued every day for violation of traffic rules by motorists. The number will further increase in coming days,” cautioned Sarangi adding that certain motorists are still not obeying the traffic rules and waiting for the cops to catch hold of them.