Bhubaneswar, 01 April (H.S.): The 91st Foundation Day of the Odisha Police was celebrated at the Reserve Police Ground in Buxi Bazar, Cuttack, on Wednesday. Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania attended the event as the chief guest and took the salute at the ceremonial parade.
Addressing the gathering, the DGP said the core motto of the Odisha Police is “Service and Security.” He said it is not merely a phrase but the identity of the force. Khurania stated that the police are committed to transforming Odisha into a safe, peaceful, and drug-free state in the coming years.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the DGP paid tribute to the martyred police personnel and expressed condolences to their families. He also felicitated several officers and personnel for their outstanding service in policing.
Highlighting the history of the force, Khurania said the Odisha Police was established on April 1, 1936, following the formation of the state of Odisha. He described the 91-year journey of the force as a proud chapter marked by struggle, dedication, and success.
Speaking about anti-Maoist operations, the DGP said the police have achieved significant success in curbing Maoist activities. Since 2025, security forces have neutralised 27 hardcore Maoists, while 72 Maoists have surrendered and returned to the mainstream, aided by the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
He described cybercrime as a major challenge in the modern era and said the Odisha Police are tackling it using advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics. Under Operation Cyber Kavach, police examined 39,714 suspicious bank accounts, registered 1,422 new cases, and arrested 379 accused persons, he said.
Highlighting the fight against narcotics, the DGP said Odisha Police have achieved significant success in efforts to build a drug-free Odisha. Contraband including ganja, brown sugar, and cannabis oil worth over ₹3,000 crore has been seized. Illegal cultivation on 48,160 acres of land has been destroyed, 654 interstate drug traffickers have been arrested, and assets worth more than ₹10 crore belonging to drug mafias have been confiscated. He reiterated that the police are determined to make Odisha completely drug-free within the next three years.
To strengthen the police force, the state government has been creating new posts, expediting recruitment processes, and establishing new battalions and units, he added.
The DGP also highlighted improvements in investigation and professional efficiency after the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He said faster investigations have enabled quicker delivery of justice. Citing examples, he noted that cases were concluded within 19 days at Morada police station in Mayurbhanj, 37 days at Chandaka police station in Bhubaneswar, 39 days in Jamda, and 40 days at Aali police station, leading to the conviction of the accused in a short time.
Khurania also highlighted the achievements of Odisha Police athletes at national competitions. In the recent All India Police Shooting Competition, the team secured second place, while athletes won several gold, silver, and bronze medals in the All India Police and Senior National Championships. A gold medal in rowing and 11 new meet records set by seven athletes at the State Police Athletic Championship were also cited as major achievements.
During the event, Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Prateek Mohanty read out the congratulatory messages from the Governor and the Chief Minister of Odisha.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
