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.
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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.
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.
Ahead of the President's visit Police Commissioner YB Khurania and Cuttack DCP Akhilesvar Singh took stock of the security arrangements at Anand Bhawan.
"The President is coming on a 2-day visit and the inauguration of Anand Bhawan in Cuttack is one of his major engagements. So, I arrived here to check the security arrangements," said Khurania.
Anand Bhawan is the ancestral house of legendary leader and former Chief Minister of Odisha Biju Patnaik. His children, including current CM Naveen Patnaik donated it to the district administration of Cuttack in 2015 to convert it into a museum.
The museum and learning centre will house various personal belongings of Biju Patnaik including his childhood photographs and other materials narrating his role in the freedom struggle of India and Indonesia.
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.
Sending a clear message, Police Commissioner YB Khurania said that such 'over-speeding' motorists would be dealt with strictly as per law.
The move is likely to play a crucial role in putting a check on incidents of road mishaps caused particularly by rash, negligent driving by motorists especially youngsters.
"The traffic wing has been directed to identify such drivers and note down their vehicle registration numbers so that necessary action can be taken against them," said Khurania.
Senior officials said that ‘penalty challans’ will be sent to the violators who will be asked to pay a particular fine for indulging in rash and negligent driving and for overspeeding.
Besides, advanced CCTV cameras that are being installed at prominent traffic junctions and speed detectors under the Smart City Scheme can also be pressed into service to curb such menace on city roads.
"RTOs of respective regions can also take steps for cancellation of driving licenses of the habitual offenders," Khurania added.
Speaking on the occasion of 10th anniversary of the Commissionerate Police, Khurania said, "Cyber crime is an evolving crime. Since there has been a spurt in cyber crimes in the recent past, we are trying to educate and train field officers to deal with newer technological challenges and cyber crimes."
The Twin City Commissionerate Police since its inception on January 1, 2008 has faced a lot of challenges on various fronts and successfully overcome those, but there is still a lot more to do, Khurania stated.
He further said, "In an ideal situation, there should be separation of law and order and investigation. For this, we need adequate manpower which we don’t have. But I hope, there will be a separation of both soon."
“In Bhubaneswar, we face various law and order situations. Besides, there is a pressure to complete investigation on time. To help us face the challenges, a large number of sub-inspectors who are under training will join the team in next three to four months,” the Commissioner asserted.
“Traffic is another challenge for us. We will take help of technology in a big way to deal with traffic problems,” he added.
On the achievements of the Commissionerate Police, Khurania stated the police has become more people-oriented to ensure better delivery of various programmes like outreach programme for senior citizens.
"Our dedicated efforts have drastically reduced organised crimes and put criminals and gangsters behind bars,” Khurania added.
Bhubaneswar: Sending a stern message to hotel and clubs gearing up for New Year bash, Police Commissioner YB Khurania today made it clear that under no circumstances public order and safety and security of citizens will be compromised.
Besides, no third party licence will be issued. Rather owners of hotels, clubs and other institutions have to take necessary permission for hosting any event for New Year celebrations in the Twin City of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
The move comes in the wake of a clash that was reported at a premier hotel in Bhubaneswar last year.
"We will not issue licence to any outsourcing agencies or any third party. Rather necessary permissions will be issued only in the name of owner of concerned hotels this year," said Khurania.
Khurania further said that usually excise department issues licence for serving liquor. While adequate steps will be taken to put a check on the incidents of rash driving under the influence of alcohol, violators will be taken to task.
The Police Commissioner further informed that elaborate measures have been undertaken by Commissionerate Police for maintaining law and order during Zero Night celebrations.
Official sources said nearly 16 platoons of police force including 10 platoons in Bhubaneswar and 6 platoons in Cuttack will be deployed during New Year celebrations.
A heavy deployment of police will be made around hotels, clubs and other public places while special attention will be given for security of tourists at Nandankanan, Dhauli and other heritage sites in the Twin City.
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
The meeting held at the headquarters of Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar was attended by various senior police officials and authorities of OCA.
“Security for the players will be beefed up at airport, hotel and stadium. CCTV cameras will also be installed inside and outside the stadium. Quick Action Team (QAT), Special Tactical Unit (STU) and adequate force for traffic safety will be deployed in the area,” Khurania said.
In a bid to ensure foolproof security, this time as well the audience will not be allowed to take water bottles or pouches inside the stadium rather drinking water will be provided by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA). The audience will only be allowed to take some dry food with them, informed sources.
As announced earlier, tickets for OCA office bearers and affiliated units will be made available on December 14 and 15 but the sale of tickets at counters will be held on December 16 and 17 from 9 am to 5 pm.
Printing of tickets for the match will be done outside Odisha for safety reasons, informed Khurania.
OCA officials informed that adequate measures will be taken during sale of tickets in counters from December 16. CCTV cameras will be installed at the counters. Dates for the online ticket sale will be announced shortly, said sources.
The India- Sri Lanka T-20 at Barabati has been insured for a sum of Rs 21.71 crore.
Speaking to media, Commissioner YB Khurania said 25 platoons of police force will be deployed in Bhubaneswar while 54 platoons of police will ensure tight security in Cuttack during the weeklong festive period.
"Elaborate security arrangements have been made for vehicular traffic management and upkeep of law and order situation during the Durga Puja, Ravana Podi Utsav and idol immersion," Khurania said.
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"Undercover police personnel, Quick Action Team (QAT), ODRAF teams will also be in place. Two platoons of SOGs in Cuttack and one platoon will be deployed in Bhubaneswar to ensure that any eventualities are kept in abeyance . Besides, two platoons of CRPF will also keep vigil ," Khurania added.
While 182 pandals of Goddess Durga will adorn Bhubaneswar, 168 pandals will come in the silver city. Police will keep extra vigilance near pandals with gold and silver adornments and decorations.
As part of a precautionary measure, the police has taken measures to book notorious criminals and detain them under the National Security Act (NSA) to prevent any unpleasant situation during the festive period.
https://youtu.be/ts2XQY_Sbgw
According to sources, the FIR was filed by Cantonment Police based on the statements of two home guards employed at the judge’s residence.
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Providing further information on the case, Twin City police commissioner YB Khurania in a press meet said, “CBI team led by inspector P K Mishra visited the residence of the acting High Court judge CR Dash on the midnight of September 19. But two home guards employed at the judge’s house prevented the team from entering the house, citing that the person CBI was looking for was no longer staying there. Soon an altercation ensued between the officials and the home guards. Later when Cantonment Police reached the spot, it found that the officials did not posses any search warrant. Based on the report by the guards, a complaint has been lodged against the concerned CBI officials under sections 120 (B), 353, 511, 34 of IPC.”
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Meanwhile, CBI authorities did confirm that the visit by their officials was in connection with a case against former retired judge of Orissa High Court, IM Quddusi who was occupying the same residence before his retirement.
However, the agency refuted allegations that it raided the residence of any sitting Orissa High Court Judge.
"On the basis of secret information, the CBI apprehended a private person with Rs 1 crore received as bribe in a case related to a private medical college," CBI Spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said in a statement.
Related to the case, he said, the CBI is investigating the role of a retired Orissa High Court judge along with other persons.
"During the said investigation, the CBI team visited several places last night, including current and past residences of the said retired Orissa High Court judge," he said.
Dayal said in the course of this, the CBI team with independent witnesses also visited the former residence of the retired Orissa High Court judge in Cuttack for recovering incriminating documents and cash.
"The CBI team was informed at the gate that the said retired judge was no longer residing there. The CBI immediately left the location and informed the local police of the development," he added.
A Press release in this regard was also issued by the central probe agency.
Chaired by Police Commissioner YB Khurania, the meeting was attended by DCP Satyabrata Bhoi, Fire Brigade personnel, Durga Puja Committee members, local police officers and officials of various departments.
The agenda of discussion varied from issues relating to power supply and smooth flow of traffic during the festival to ensure safety of people.
Khurania said elaborate arrangements have been made for vehicular traffic management and upkeep of law and order situation during the Durga Puja, Ravana Podi Utsav and idol immersion.
"Police would begin a special drive to book criminals and habitual offenders to keep crime at bay before the commencement of the grand festival," he added.
“We have requested all Puja Committees that they should ensure public safety as top priority and not compromise with fire and electricity safety measures. Also, they are requested to deploy more number of volunteers and install CCTV cameras at Puja Pandals to keep a close watch on anti-social elements and other disturbances," said Khurania.
While a total of 172 pandals were registered last year for Durga Puja, registration is on for this year’s festival which is likely to exceed the previous number. Also, BMC would come up with six artificial ponds to facilitate the idol immersions, sources said.
On the fateful day, though Satpal's elder son and his family were at the first floor and Satpal was sleeping in the ground floor, none of them got a clue of the fire. Satpal's elder grandson jumped into the swimming pool from first floor after the house caught fire, but neither he nor anyone of the family called fire brigade or police.
Surprisingly security guard on duty at Satpal's house also did not notice the fire outbreak.
Satpal’s younger son Gagan Pal Singh (40), daughter-in-law Bhavana Singh (38), granddaughter Sohabi Singh (15), grandson Rubir Singh (8) and house maid Khusi Das (15) died in the mishap which occurred yesterday.
Scientific team and Police Commissioner YB Khurania also visited and studied the spot yesterday.
"We will be able to reach a conclusion only after getting the post mortem report and opinion from experts," said Khurania.
Meanwhile, post-mortem report of the deceased persons mentioned while Gagan Pal Singh and his wife succumbed to fire injuries, his son and the house maid died due to asphyxiation and his daughter died due to both fire injuries and asphyxiation.
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.
The State’s preparedness to tackle any kind of terror attack in future was discussed during the meeting. In view of this, NSG has set plans to carry out a three-day drill at the State Secretariat, State Assembly, Biju Patnaik International Airport and other major government installations.
The top cops also discussed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to counter the potential threats and acts of terrorism within the State.
"The mock drill is a routine activity carried in every state and is now a joint initiative undertaken by Odisha Police and NSG. Odisha Police has very well trained officers and we are training along with them. Together, we are learning from each other and this is definitely going to help in tackling any potential disaster that comes," said NSG IG Sashank Mishra.
“With the increasing threat perception from terrorist outfits, mock drills are necessary. The Special Tactical Unit (STU) of the State Police has also been involved in the drill,” said Khurania.
Speaking to the mediapersons here on Monday, Police Commissioner YB Khurania said traffic management would be the top priority during the mega event. A detailed traffic advisory would be issued soon for a smooth conduct.
In the initial phase, arrangement for parking has been made at four different places including Behera Sahi, AG Colony, Ashram School premises and Raavanpodi Ground near Nayapalli. LED panels will be placed in several places to provide an update of the real-time traffic data.
Keeping an eye on the arrangement of the continental event, Khurania informed that 45 platoons of police force along with a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) would be deployed in several places to monitor law and order.
"CCTVs have been installed in and around the stadium, which would be monitored by a team of officials at a make-shift control room. Also, spectators will not be allowed to enter the stadium without a valid pass,” he said.
“As per the details, around 800 athletes and 400 officials from 45 countries will take part in 42 disciplines in the championships. Tight security arrangements have been made inside the stadium as well in places of their accommodation," he added.
The Police Commissioner urged the people for their co-operation to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. "It is a pride for Odisha that Bhubaneswar will be hosting the Asian Athletics Championship this year. Taking this into consideration, the spectators should thoroughly enjoy and refrain from creating disturbance during the mega event,” he said.
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Instead of keeping silent, the braveheart, raised her voice and reportedly ‘slapped’ the conductor for trying to touch her inappropriately in the moving bus.
In a Facebook post, the victim wrote that the incident occurred when she was travelling back to Bhubaneswar after completing some official work from Cuttack on June 18.
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“After waiting for bus for long near Badambadi bus terminus, I had boarded a bus that was already packed to capacity. There was no space to stand properly inside the bus,” said the girl in her post.
She went on to narrate how the conductor was reaching other girls and touching them inappropriately in a bid to make some space in the bus. ‘’I got furious when the conductor intentionally tried to touch me in the same manner and I slapped him,’’ the girl narrated in her post.
This is for the second time that a girl has been misbehaved in a moving bus in Cuttack. Earlier, a lady journalist travelling in a bus to Cuttack from Kendrapara was also harassed by a co-passenger in March this year.
Meanwhile, taking serious note of repeated incidents of harassments in public transport, the Commissionerate Police has decided to conduct a probe.
Police Commissioner YB Khurania, speaking to OTV, urged the girl to lodge a complaint in connection with the incident.
“In case of such incidents, apart from social media, information should also be passed to local police station so that action can be taken. We will check the social media and look what action can be taken,” said Khurania.
Along with normal police patrolling, special static and mobile patrolling is being done by the Commissionerate Police in the twin city on occassion of Holi. Police Commissioner YB Khurania said that the police are prepared to face any type of unpleasant circumstances.
Briefing media persons, Khurania said, "I hope that all will celebrate Holi happily and enjoy it. Police administration has done adequate security arrangements for Holi, static patrolling and mobile patrolling services have been installed at various places. ODRAF team has been kept at standby and we are prepared for any type of contingencies."
The Fire Brigade has also prepared a blue print to celebrate safe and secure Holi. It has done preparations to check any accident people may face while taking bath in water bodies after celebrating the festival of colours. Special boat and divers are put on alert for such situations.
Besides, Fire brigade personnel have been deployed at rivers Kuakhai, Daya and Puri main canal. Similarly the fire brigade is keeping vigil on various Ghats of Mahanadi River in Cuttack and on various other water bodies.
Talking to media persons, fire brigade official Trailokya Kumar Babu said, "All emergency calls will be regulated at our control room at Bhubaneswar Fire Station office. Other than this our three additional rescue teams will be ready. Lifebuoys, life jackets, boats and under water divers will remain prepared at Bhubaneswar Fire Station."
Hospital authorities are also prepared to treat the persons injured during the celebrations of the festival, said Superintendent of Capital Hospital, Manoranjan Das.
Das informed the media saying, "We have kept extra dressing materials and three to four teams will be ready for dressing of injured persons. Eye specialist will also be there along with more staff in casualty. Our managers and other senior officials of hospital will also remain watchful.”
The commissioner along with Police DG KB Singh and State Intelligence Director took stock of elaborate arrangements here.
Speaking to media persons after the review of arrangements Khurania said security has been intensified in and around areas of the Assembly.
“Inner perimeter, Outer perimeter and sensitive areas where section 144 has been imposed have been barricaded and police personnel have been deployed,” he added.
At least 31 police platoons have been deployed to provide security cover during the ensuing legislative session.
Quick Reaction Team (QAT), Roof Top Security have also been arranged to keep strict vigil on any untoward happenings. Bhubaneswar DCP is in-charge of the security while 5 Assistant SP and 100 other officials have also been engaged.
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.
“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.
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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.
Informing newsmen about the security arrangements here, Twin City Police Commissioner YB Khurania said, “For the Winter Session, six officers of deputy commandant and additional SP rank, 10 Assistant Commandants, 80 police officers have been deployed. A three-tier security will be placed in and around the State Assembly with deployment of 35 platoons of police force.”
Mobile patrolling team and the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) will also be kept ready for any eventuality. We are ready for any contingency,” said Khurania adding preventive measures have also been taken to thwart self immolation bids.
Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi has been given the task to ensure full-proof security for the Assembly during the winter session.
Also read: Winter session of Odisha Assembly from Dec 1
DGP KB Singh and Director (Intelligence) Sunil Roy today visited the premises of the State Assembly to review the security arrangements.
Notably, the winter Assembly session starting from tomorrow will conclude on December 30.
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.
Talking to media persons after a review meeting at the Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Khurania said, “Five additional DCPs, 18 ACPs, 25 Inspectors, 180 Sub Inspectors and ASI, 100 Havaldars, 400 Constables and 54 police forces have been mobilized for the festive occasion.”
In Bhubaneswar alone, 32 platoons of police force will be deployed. CCTVs have been installed at different puja mandaps. Besides, restrictions have been imposed on the entry of heavy vehicles into the capital city from 4 pm to 2 am, Khurania added.
“One-way traffic system has been introduced in Cuttack from 5 pm to midnight from tomorrow,” the police commissioner added.
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Police aid posts were set up at different places. Apart from this, mobile and foot patrolling has been intensified. The Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and Striking Force have also been stationed.
The police commissioner further stated contingency plan has been made to face any contingency situations.
“The arrangements have been made keeping in view the date when Muharram and the Durga Puja will be celebrated on the same day,” Khurania said.
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.
A special team of Commissionerate police raided various places in the capital of West Bengal and arrested Chandan and Lipuna for their alleged involvement in three murder cases.
While Chandan was allegedly involved in the murder of Cuttack-based pulses trader Md Farooq, Lipuna has been arrested for his complicity in killing Omm and Dipu, Khurania added.
With the fresh arrests, the total number of persons arrested for links with the gangster brothers has gone up to 35. Properties worth Rs 7 crores have been seized from their possession, the commissioner pointed out.
Revealing that he talked to Budhia and his mother over phone, Khurania dismissed the charge of abduction of the boy.
“I talked to Budhia and his mother who said they are fit and fine and they went to Kodiakanal on a vacation. We will wait for their return to Bhubaneswar and question them on their arrival if the need arises," the commissioner told OTV over phone.
According to sources, the production team of the movie ‘Budhia Sigh – Born To Run’ took Budhia and his mother on a summer vacation. The boy had also applied for leave application in his school, the sources added.
The question that inevitably arises is: why has the production house kept silent when the media was all abuzz with the story of Budhia going missing. Though there is nothing wrong in taking Budhia, on whose story of struggles the movie is based, for promotion, the silence of the producers makes the things appear fishy. Some say this could be a publicity stunt of the production house to create a buzz around his disappearance and cash in on it.
The accused, identified as Madhab Acharya, a resident of Kendrapara, had invested the illegal money in bus business. “He bought two buses and a car with the looted money. These vehicles have been seized along with Rs 60,000 cash. Investigation is in progress and we may come across more funds and assets that he has created out of this,” police commissioner YB Khurania said.
A class X drop out, Madhab had started his criminal career in train theft. He used to loot the passengers on moving trains after drugging them on the sly. Later, he switched over to ATM loot.
Police said he learned the loot idea from YouTube after watching several videos regarding the modus operandi of ATM loot. He usually targetted women, elderly persons and uneducated people. On the pretext of the assisting unknown persons, he used to cleverly acquire the password which helped him in doing the unlawful activities.
The commissionerate police has acquired CCTV footage showing Madhab at his tricks in at least 25 ATM centres.
Talking to media persons here, Twin City Police Commissioner YB Khurania said, “In case we feel any government department has any information which may be helpful in our investigation, we will write a letter to the concerned department to pass it on to us.”
Sources said the Commissionerate of Police has already sent notices to CMC, R&B and RD departments to provide information related to the arrested D-brothers.
Meanwhile, the twin city police are planning to reopen old files including four abduction cases which were shut due to lack evidences against the D-brothers.
Khurania added, “Some kidnapping cases are in our focus. Review is being done about those cases. If any new evidence comes out during the investigation, we will seek the court’s permission for reopening of those cases.”
He added, “We will also look into the way the investigation into those cases was done earlier.”
Notably, a total of 19 persons, including politicians, have been arrested for their links with the criminal siblings. So far, 10 cases have been slapped against the brothers.
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.