Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Rjendra Prasad Sharma on Tuesday held a special meeting with top police officials and district Superintendents of Police through videoconferencing on the crime and law and order situation in the State ahead of the Durga Puja.
Earlier, the DGP had written letters to all SPs, DCPs, SRP, Rourkela and Cuttack to conduct special drive from October 9 to 18 against criminals and anti-socials.
He said the SPs should be very careful and act in advance to prevent untoward incidents. Besides, as per tradition the RSS will observe its Foundation Day throughout the State on Vijaya Dasami on October 19.
During such programme and other puja procession, mischievous elements may try to create disturbances by giving inflammatory slogans which may hurt the sentiments of some people, said the DGP.
He asked the SPs to have extra alertness in the communally sensitive places to avert any unpleasant situation. The DGP categorically asked the SPs to strictly follow the MHA guidelines-2008 to maintain communal harmony and take many precautionary measures.
He asked them to hold special drives for execution of warrants, unearthing illegal fire arms, arrest of accused in pending investigation cases, conduct raids against illicit distillation and sale of liquor, put strict conditions while granting licence for 'Medhas' and immersion procession, form Peace Committee to settle disputes, put restrictions on playing of loud speakers, have a close watch on social media, nominate Special Nodal Officer for mob-violence and ensure no forcible collection of 'Chanda', among others.
Senior officers including CP Bhubaneswar-Cuttack and ADGP (Crime), ADGP (Railway), ADGP (Prov), ADGP (Mod), IGP (Hdqrs) and IGP (L and O) were present.