IGP Satyajit Naik Appeals for Peaceful, Safe and Harmonious Durga Puja
IPS SATYAJIT, IG,CENTRAL
Bureau, Odishabarta
Urges Puja Committees to Coordinate with Police; Warns Against Rumours, Drunken Driving and Disorderly Behaviour
Cuttack, October 16, 2026: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Dr Satyajit Naik, has appealed to the people to celebrate Durga Puja in a peaceful, disciplined and harmonious atmosphere, upholding Odisha’s rich cultural traditions and the values of mutual respect, brotherhood and communal harmony.
Emphasising that Durga Puja is not merely a religious festival but also an occasion to strengthen social bonds and promote unity, Dr Naik said the festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and conveys a timeless message of courage, justice and righteousness.
He urged people across communities to respect one another’s religious sentiments and contribute to an atmosphere of peace, goodwill and mutual understanding. The true spirit of the festival, he said, lies in bringing people together, rising above differences and reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood.
Coordination with Police Essential
The IGP appealed to puja committees, organisers, volunteers and devotees to act responsibly and cooperate with the police and local administration to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the celebrations.
He stressed the importance of effective crowd management, traffic regulation and the safety of devotees at puja pandals, procession routes and other crowded locations. Organisers were urged to strictly follow administrative guidelines and ensure that processions and immersion ceremonies were conducted in an orderly manner without causing inconvenience to the public.
Close coordination among puja committees, volunteers, the administration and the police would help prevent untoward incidents and maintain public safety, he said.
Caution Against Rumours and Provocative Social Media Posts
Expressing concern over the circulation of rumours and unverified information during festivals, Dr Naik urged the public to exercise caution while using social media. He advised people not to believe or circulate unverified messages, photographs or videos, warning that misleading information and provocative posts could create confusion, fear and tension and disturb communal harmony.
He appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and immediately inform the police about suspicious activities or any potential threat to public peace.
Warning Against Drunken Driving and Unsafe Celebrations
The IGP also cautioned against drunken driving, reckless driving, disorderly behaviour and other activities that could endanger lives. Young people, in particular, were urged to celebrate responsibly and refrain from actions that could put themselves or others at risk.
He further advised puja committees to ensure that loudspeakers and sound systems were used in accordance with prescribed regulations. Celebrations should not cause unnecessary inconvenience to residents, patients, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups, he said, emphasising that festive enthusiasm must not come at the cost of public peace, safety or the rights of others.
Police Committed to Public Safety
Dr Naik said the police would remain committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety throughout the festive period. He appealed to devotees to cooperate with police personnel deployed at pandals, procession routes and sensitive locations, follow traffic advisories and comply with safety instructions.
He also emphasised the need to protect the safety and dignity of women and children and ensure that all devotees could participate in the celebrations in a safe and welcoming environment.
Describing peaceful celebrations as a collective responsibility, the IGP said festivals offered an opportunity to demonstrate compassion, tolerance and mutual respect while strengthening social unity.
Wishing the people a happy Durga Puja, Dr Naik expressed hope that the blessings of Goddess Durga would bring peace, prosperity and happiness to every household. He urged everyone to work together to ensure peaceful, safe and harmonious celebrations across the Central Range.
