Special drive planned to nab criminals ahead of festivities
The Commissionerate police on Thursday held a preparatory meeting involving people’s representatives, Durga Puja Committee members, local police officers and officials of various departments here to make the ensuing Puja festivities in the city hassle-free.
Puja Committee members urged BMC Mayor AN Jena and Government officials to carry out repair works of potholed roads and defunct light poles at a war footing. “The BMC should also clean drains and sanitise the areas surrounding puja pandals,” said Prashanti Vihar Puja Committee members.
The committees also wanted the State Government to allow them to use Government land for free. The Siripur Durga Puja Committee urged the General Administration Department for exemption of rents. The meeting also discussed uninterrupted power supply and smooth flow of traffic during the festival.
Twin City Commissioner of Police Dr RP Sharma said the police would begin a special drive to nab habitual offenders, persons with non-bailable warrants (NBWs) and other criminals coming to the city.
The police would also begin a drive to check illicit liquor and public drinking in liquor shops.
“We have requested all the Puja Committees to instal CCTV cameras at the puja pandals to keep eye on anti-social elements like pickpockets and snatchers,” said Dr Sharma, adding, “If needed; we will deploy more forces from the Odisha State Armed Police (OSAP) to control law and order during the Puja.”
Among others, city MlAs Bijay Kumar Mohanty and Priyadarshi Mishra, Khordha Collector Niranjan Sahu, Additional Commissioner of Police Dr Santosh Bala and Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi were present.