Indus Valley Times

By IGP Dr Satyajit Nayak

Cuttack/Odisha, Oct 1 : With the festive season approaching, Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Dr Satyajit Nayak, has warned against forced collection of donations and extortion in the name of religious celebrations.

 He said such practices would not be tolerated and urged people to report any coercion, threats or illegal demands for money to the police. Festivals should remain occasions of faith, harmony and community participation, he said. Dr Nayak said shopkeepers, traders, residents and members of the public should not be intimidated or compelled to pay money in the name of donations.

 Any demand accompanied by threats, whether made in person, over the phone or through other means, should be reported to the police. “People should not be afraid to report such incidents. The identity of those providing information will be kept confidential,” he said. He also called for close coordination among the police, local communities, traders and puja committees during the festive period.

With large gatherings expected at puja venues, markets and other public places, police presence and surveillance would be strengthened to maintain law and order and prevent criminal activities. Dr Nayak urged puja committees to follow the law and ensure peaceful celebrations, stressing that voluntary public support should not be replaced by coercion or intimidation. Timely information from citizens, he said, would help the police take appropriate legal action against those involved in extortion or threats.