Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to maintain public order and safety, the Director General of Police (DGP) of the state, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, has issued a series of strict directives to all district Superintendents of Police (SPs). The instructions focus on completely stopping the illegal practice of forced donations and implementing wide-ranging security measures for the upcoming festival season.
The central command from the DGP is the total prohibition of all unauthorised collection of funds, commonly known as "chanda," during this year's festivities. The order mandates that police take strong and immediate action against anyone who attempts to collect money illegally from the public or businesses in the name of celebrating religious events and pujas. DGP Khurania emphasized that this directive must be enforced effectively at the grassroots level to ensure compliance.
This announcement came during a high-level review meeting chaired by the DGP at the state police headquarters. The meeting specifically addressed the security arrangements required for the numerous festivals in the coming months. Historical observations indicate that this period sometimes sees a rise in unlawful activities, including coercive fundraising.
The state police aim to create a secure environment where citizens can celebrate their festivals with joy and without fear of intimidation or misinformation. The public is encouraged to cooperate with the police and report any instances of illegal donation collection or suspicious activities to their local authorities immediately.
The central command from the DGP is the total prohibition of all unauthorised collection of funds, commonly known as "chanda," during this year's festivities. The order mandates that police take strong and immediate action against anyone who attempts to collect money illegally from the public or businesses in the name of celebrating religious events and pujas. DGP Khurania emphasized that this directive must be enforced effectively at the grassroots level to ensure compliance.
This announcement came during a high-level review meeting chaired by the DGP at the state police headquarters. The meeting specifically addressed the security arrangements required for the numerous festivals in the coming months. Historical observations indicate that this period sometimes sees a rise in unlawful activities, including coercive fundraising.
A Multi-Pronged Strategy for Security
Beyond the ban on illegal donations, the police will roll out a comprehensive security plan. Key components of this strategy include:- Enhanced Surveillance and Patrolling: There will be a significant increase in police patrolling, particularly in sensitive and crowded areas. Authorities will also conduct rigorous checking at strategic points to prevent crime and ensure public safety.
- Monitoring Social Media: Recognizing the modern challenge of misinformation, the DGP has instructed the cyber cells in every district to monitor various social media platforms 24/7. This continuous patrol aims to quickly identify and address the spread of false rumors, fake news, and inflammatory content that could disrupt communal harmony.
- Community Engagement: Police officials are directed to actively engage with community leaders, puja committee members, and local representatives. Building strong relationships and holding discussions with various groups is considered vital for fostering cooperation and gathering ground-level intelligence.
- Identifying Rumor Mongers: A specific focus will be placed on identifying individuals who deliberately spread false information to create panic or discord within the community.
- Infrastructure and Monitoring: Sensitive locations will see the installation of additional CCTV cameras to bolster monitoring capabilities. Police presence will be visibly enhanced at all venues where festival events and prayers are held.
The state police aim to create a secure environment where citizens can celebrate their festivals with joy and without fear of intimidation or misinformation. The public is encouraged to cooperate with the police and report any instances of illegal donation collection or suspicious activities to their local authorities immediately.

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