Bhubaneswar, October 13: Commissioner of Police Dr S. Dev Datta Singh inaugurated the community policing initiative ‘Basti Ku Chala’ at Jayadev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Monday, followed by a cultural programme featuring musical tributes to legendary Odia singer Akhaya Mohanty on his 92nd birth anniversary.

Organised by the Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, the programme highlighted efforts to strengthen police-public relations, improve community engagement and expand outreach among residents of underprivileged neighbourhoods.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh stressed the importance of citizen-centric policing and ensuring equal treatment for all, irrespective of their social or economic status. He said preventing and addressing crimes against women and children remained a key priority for the Commissionerate Police.

Highlighting initiatives such as ‘Basti Ku Chala’, ‘Basti Mitra’ and ‘Police Mitra’, he said the programmes were aimed at reaching residents of more than 400 bastis across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Many residents have migrated from districts such as Mayurbhanj and Ganjam but continue to maintain strong social and cultural ties with their native villages.

The initiatives seek to understand residents’ concerns, improve communication, build mutual trust and strengthen cooperation between the police and local communities. Nodal officers have been designated within police station jurisdictions to maintain regular contact with residents and ensure that their grievances receive appropriate attention.

Dr Singh reiterated that the police were equally committed to protecting people from all economic backgrounds. Citing recent cases, he said the investigation into a house burglary involving gold ornaments belonging to a renowned personality and the kidnapping of an eight-year-old child of an elderly visually impaired woman had received equal attention. Both cases, he said, were detected with the same level of dedication and commitment.

He also emphasised the need to improve street lighting in dark and vulnerable areas to enhance public safety. He directed officials to continue community-oriented initiatives to create safer neighbourhoods and strengthen public confidence in the police.

Additional Commissioner of Police Narasingha Bhol said that while conventional policing was essential to maintaining law and order, community-based initiatives such as ‘Basti Ku Chala’ played a significant role in building trust, encouraging public participation and making neighbourhoods safer.

He said the police uniform symbolised equality, irrespective of religion, caste, educational background or financial status, adding that every citizen deserved dignity, protection and justice.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar, Sravana Vivek M said his experience with the Commissionerate Police had reinforced his belief in the importance of community outreach in crime prevention. He said the strength of ‘Basti Ku Chala’ lay in proactive policing, which involved reaching out to residents before problems escalated, understanding local conditions, identifying potential criminal activities and working with communities to prevent them.

The initiative has also helped bridge the imaginary gap between the police and residents of underprivileged communities by making police services more accessible, fostering trust and encouraging greater public participation, he added.

DCP Headquarters V. P. Pati highlighted the changes in police-community relations over the past 15 years. Recalling earlier days when residents of basti areas would often flee at the sight of police vehicles, fearing police personnel, he said the situation had changed considerably. Residents now approach officers more freely, interact with them and seek assistance when required.

He credited ‘Basti Ku Chala’ with helping reduce the distance between the police and the public.

DCP Headquarters (Accounts) B. B. Udgata delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the community policing campaign.

Police Mitra Bharata Chandra Adaka, a resident of Isaneswar Basti, said the initiative, launched in 2021, had provided timely assistance to people in distress and those in need. It has enabled residents to access police services closer to their homes, he added.

Adaka also highlighted the role of community members in the development of their respective bastis. Residents have been extending voluntary support and organising cultural and sporting events to identify, encourage and nurture local talent.

Following the formal session, the Commissionerate Police team organised a cultural programme in tribute to Akhaya Mohanty on his 92nd birth anniversary.

Additional DCP Krushna Chandra Sethi, ACP Satyajit Das, Inspector Anjali Chotray and SI Sibani Nanda attended the programme. Ollywood singer Arpita Choudhury and Dhruti Deepa Patra and Sanaya Suneyna of Utkala Sangeet Mahavidyalaya also participated. Janaki Nayak of Patadei Basti-II and Srinibas Rao of Tarini Basti paid musical tributes to the legendary singer.

The programme was supported by the Sur-Tarang team, comprising Priyaranjan Mohanty, Kishore Nayak, Tapas, Ranjan, Bablu and Kunu.

Addl.CP Narasingha Bhol, DCP, Bhubaneswar UPD Sri Sravana Vivek M, DCP Hqrs. V. P. Pati , DCP Accounts B. B. Udgata  and other distinguished invitees and dignitaries, who appreciated and encouraged the efforts of the Commissionerate Police team.

The Commissionerate Police said ‘Basti Ku Chala’ would continue with renewed emphasis on strengthening police-community relations, preventing and detecting crime, promoting the vision of a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (Drug-Free India), and identifying and nurturing talent in bastis through sports, cultural activities and other fields.