While Congress leader Narasingha Mishra here on Fridaymade a scathing attack on ruling BJD alleging of nexus existing between the ruling BJD and criminals, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik attending the Odisha Police Foundation Day here on the day showered words of admiration on the police for their recent drives against criminals.
Speaking after taking salute of a police parade on the occasion, Patnaik appreciated the role of State police in contending the mafias and organised criminals in the State. “I appreciate the recent police drive against tender mafias, transport mafias and organised criminals in the State,” Patnaik said, asserting that the same would continue more vigorously in future.
Calling upon the policemen to work hard in intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, maintaining coastal security, Patnaik, who also holds the home portfolio, asked the men in khaki to remain alert to face the challenges posed by cyber crimes and economic crimes.
Honouring some policemen for their distinguished services and felicitating several retired policemen on the occasion, the Chief Minister announced enhancing the annual grant to the police welfare fund from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh from this year.
Patnaik also on the occasion released a newsletter of the Odisha police and a common users’ group (CUG) telephone directory of the senior policemen in which the telephone numbers of the officers would not be changed even after their retirement.