Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: With the festive season approaching, the Commissionerate Police has stepped up vigilance against forced donation collection during puja celebrations.

Police have warned that anyone found forcibly collecting chanda from people in the name of puja will face legal action and arrest. The move comes amid concerns that some local groups may try to pressure residents and businesses for donations during the festive season.

The Commissionerate Police has urged people not to give in to such pressure. Anyone facing forced chanda collection can immediately report the matter to the nearest police station or call the emergency helpline 112.

Police said forced collection of donations will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Citizens have also been advised to provide information about such incidents so that prompt action can be taken against those involved.

The Commissionerate Police is keeping a close watch on extortion-related activities, particularly as the festive season gets underway.

The campaign against forced collections has its roots in the earlier “Dada Bati Ku Na” initiative launched during the tenure of former Police Commissioner Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi. An Anti-Extortion Task Force was also formed to take action against anti-social elements allegedly harassing innocent people for money.

The task force was aimed at identifying and promptly arresting those involved in extortion. Authorities had also indicated that stringent laws, including the National Security Act (NSA), could be invoked against habitual anti-social elements when required.

With the festive season approaching, police have once again appealed to citizens to remain alert and report any forced chanda collection without delay.