IGP Dr Satyajit Naik Wins Hearts of Habishyalis, Receives Their Blessings Through People-Centric Policing
By IGP Dr Satyajit Naik
Puri/Odisha, Nov 15: Reflecting the human face of policing, Dr Satyajit Naik , IPS, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Cuttack, met elderly women observing the sacred Habisha Brata in Puri during the holy month of Kartika and received their heartfelt blessings. His warm interaction with the Habishyalis, marked by respect, affection and sensitivity, highlighted the importance of compassion and personal engagement in public service. The interaction also reflected his belief that policing is not merely about maintaining law and order but also about connecting with people, understanding their concerns and ensuring their safety and dignity.
Keeping in view the large gathering of devotees in Puri, particularly the elderly women observing the month-long religious rituals, the Central Range Police has accorded special priority to their security and convenience. Around 2,300 Habishyalis are staying at designated accommodation centres. Special security arrangements include round-the-clock police deployment, assistance facilities, regular patrolling and prompt response to emergencies.
As part of the broader security arrangements, 26 platoons of police force have been planned for Kartika-related duties in Puri, including six platoons for Habishyali accommodation centres and the remaining force for security around the Jagannath Temple, crowd management and traffic regulation. An additional deployment of 65 platoons is planned for Panchuka and Kartika Purnima.
Dr Naik has emphasised the need for coordinated policing, effective crowd management and special attention to the safety of elderly devotees so that they can perform their religious observances and have a peaceful darshan of Lord Jagannath without inconvenience.
His interaction with the Habishyalis conveys a larger message that the true strength of the police lies not only in discipline and enforcement but also in empathy, humility and public trust. The blessings of the elderly women stand as a touching expression of the bond between the police and the community. His approach reinforces the principle that the police are not merely guardians of law but also companions of people in their moments of need.
Service with compassion, security with responsibility and policing with a human touch — a message reflected in IGP Dr Satyajit Naik’s interaction with the Habishyalis.
