Odisha Police Tighten Security Ahead of October 15 Student Elections

AI FEED

Odisha’s student union elections are scheduled for October 15.
DGP-in-charge Vinaytosh Mishra has directed police officers to take preventive steps against campus violence.
Police have been asked to coordinate with college authorities and monitor sensitive locations before and after polling.

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police have stepped up preparations to maintain law and order ahead of the student union elections scheduled for October 15, with Director General of Police (in-charge) Vinaytosh Mishra directing senior officers to prevent violence on college and university campuses.

During a high-level review meeting held through video-conferencing on Saturday, Mishra assessed security arrangements and the law-and-order situation at educational institutions across the state.

He stressed the need to maintain peace, ensure the smooth conduct of elections and prevent violence after the results.

DGP Stresses Preventive Security Measures

Mishra instructed police officers to focus on preventive action rather than responding only after an incident occurs.

He directed Superintendents of Police (SPs) and range Inspectors General and Deputy Inspectors General (IGs/DIGs) to remain alert to situations that could lead to tension, protests or clashes.

Officers were also asked to maintain regular contact with college authorities and assess potential trouble spots before polling.

“The officers have been asked to assess sensitive situations during the college elections, deploy forces as required and take necessary steps to maintain law and order,” the DGP said.

Police to Monitor Sensitive Campuses

The review focused on security arrangements at colleges and universities where tensions or agitations could disrupt the election process.

Mishra directed officers to assess local conditions and deploy police personnel wherever necessary. The instructions also covered measures to prevent post-election violence.

Coordination between police officials and educational institution authorities is expected to play an important role in maintaining order during the election period.

Senior Police Officials Attend Review Meeting

Director of Intelligence RP Koche, Additional Director General of Police (SAP) Rajesh Kumar, Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola, range IGs/DIGs and district SPs attended the meeting.