The Odisha government has announced a sweeping reshuffle across its police administration, reassigning several senior officers to new postings. The changes, notified by the Home Department on Thursday, aim to inject fresh momentum into law enforcement and strengthen oversight in key divisions, including Commissionerate Police, Vigilance, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), and State Police Headquarters.
New Leadership in Commissionerate Police
The twin city Commissionerate Police, which oversees law and order in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, has undergone a major overhaul.
· Bimalendu Satapathy, former DCP, has been shifted to Superintendent of Police (SP), Police Headquarters.
· Kishore Chandra Mund and Anup Kumar Kanungo, both serving as Additional DCPs, have been promoted as DCPs within the Commissionerate.
These appointments are expected to provide stronger leadership in managing law enforcement in the capital region, where policing challenges remain dynamic.
Strengthening the State Headquarters
Several officers have been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack:
· Surendra Nath Rayaguru, Anand Bardhan Guru, and Debadutta Kar take charge as SPs at the headquarters.
· Prava Sankar Nayak and Tapan Narayan Rath assume roles as Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs) of Police.
By reinforcing the headquarters, the government hopes to ensure better coordination between state-level operations and field units.
Focus on Vigilance, EOW, and Special Branch
Sensitive investigative units also see new leadership.
· Satyaban Mahananda has been posted as SP, Vigilance.
· Srikanta Kumar Behera takes charge as SP, EOW, Bhubaneswar.
· Debashis Dhal has been appointed SP, Special Branch.
These postings highlight the administration’s intent to strengthen oversight in corruption probes, financial crime investigations, and intelligence gathering.
Boosting Coastal Security
In a strategic move, Satyajit Mishra has been assigned as AIG of Police, Marine and Coastal Security. With Odisha’s 480-kilometer coastline facing growing security challenges, this move is expected to enhance maritime policing and preparedness.
Aimed at Fresh Energy and Coordination
Officials said the reshuffle was designed to bring balance, improve efficiency, and infuse new energy into the force. By redistributing experienced officers across Commissionerate Police, State Headquarters, and specialized wings, the government hopes to make policing more structured, accountable, and responsive.
The sweeping changes come at a time when Odisha is pushing for stronger law enforcement, better crime detection, and tighter coastal security. If executed effectively, this reshuffle could pave the way for a more agile, coordinated, and citizen-focused police system in the state.
(With agency inputs)
