In view of the outstanding service displayed by the state police force during the lockdown, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated and thanked those in the uniformed services for their dedication. In a video conference with range Deputy-Inspector Generals (DIGs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs), Patnaik mentioned that the Odisha Police had shown its ‘humane face’ during moments of adversity, and came to the aid of several poor and stranded migrants.
“My appeal for zero walking inside Odisha for interstate migrants was implemented in letter and spirit. Police worked with so much restraint and showed dignified conduct during the lockdown. People saw a humane face of the police”, the chief minister said. Patnaik added that the COVID battle was far from over and that he expected the same level of commitment in the upcoming days from those in the force.
The Chief Minister also praised the ODRAF for the post-Amphan restoration work in West Bengal. Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) Abhay, who was present in the video conference, informed the Chief Minister that at least 24,587 migrant workers who were found walking by foot were sent to their states by designated vehicles. The DGP also outlined the steps taken to fight the menace of a spurt in domestic violence.