Bhubaneswar, October 6: Ahead of the proposed Students’ Union elections and elections to various student societies and associations in universities and degree colleges for the academic session 2026-27, the Central Range Police have stepped up security measures to ensure peaceful, free and fair polling.

Dr Satyajit Naik, Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Cuttack, has directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) in districts under the range to take preventive and proactive measures in coordination with university and college authorities in the seven districts of Khurdha, Puri, Nayagarh, Katak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Jajpur. 

The district police have been asked to identify sensitive and vulnerable educational institutions and locations and make security arrangements based on the local law-and-order situation. Adequate police deployment will be ensured at polling venues, counting centres and other strategically important locations.

The IGP has directed officers to take preventive action against elements likely to disrupt the elections and maintain strict vigil to prevent group clashes, intimidation, violence and unlawful assemblies.

Police officers have also been instructed to maintain close coordination with Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Principals, election authorities and other stakeholders. Coordination meetings will be held to assess security requirements and address potential concerns in advance.

The police have been directed to remain strictly neutral and impartial throughout the election process and ensure a safe environment for all candidates and students. Any violation of law will be dealt with firmly, irrespective of the identity or affiliation of those involved.

Arrangements will also be made for traffic management, crowd control and emergency response, particularly around institutions where large gatherings are expected.

Dr Naik emphasised that the police arrangements are aimed not only at maintaining law and order but also at ensuring that students can exercise their democratic rights peacefully without disrupting the academic environment.

All district police units have been asked to remain alert and responsive throughout the election process and take immediate action on any emerging law-and-order situation.

The Central Range Police appealed to students, candidates, student organisations, educational institutions and other stakeholders to maintain discipline, uphold democratic values, avoid provocation and violence, and cooperate with the police and college authorities for the smooth conduct of the Students’ Union elections.