Bhubaneswar, October 11: Ahead of the student union elections scheduled for October 15, in-charge Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) and range IGs/DIGs to take proactive measures to ensure violence-free campuses across Odisha.

During a high-level video-conference review meeting, the DGP assessed the security arrangements and law-and-order situation at colleges and universities across the state. He stressed the need to prevent campus violence, maintain peace and ensure the smooth conduct of elections, while also taking steps to avert post-election clashes.

The DGP instructed police officers to prioritise preventive measures rather than respond only after an untoward incident occurs. He also directed them to maintain regular communication with college authorities and closely monitor sensitive locations and situations that could trigger tension, protests or unrest.

Officers were asked to assess potential flashpoints during the election period, deploy adequate police personnel wherever necessary and take all appropriate steps to maintain law and order.

Director of Intelligence RP Koche, ADG (SAP) Rajesh Kumar, Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola, along with all range IGs/DIGs and SPs, attended the meeting.