New leadership as Bhubaneswar eyes sharper crime prevention
Saravana Vivek M, a 2015-batch Indian Police Service officer, on Friday took charge as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Bhubaneswar. He arrives from Berhampur where he served as superintendent of police, and outlined an operational focus on intelligence-led policing, teamwork and community engagement soon after assuming office, officials said.
The new DCP indicated that the directions from the state DGP and the city police commissioner on a special enforcement drive ahead of the upcoming festive season would be implemented "in letter and spirit," according to his remarks to reporters. He emphasised the need to identify habitual offenders through intelligence-based operations and deter offences before they occur.
"We will work as a team to curb and prevent crimes... Women’s safety will remain one of our top priorities," he said.
His appointment comes at a difficult time for the capital. Official figures show Bhubaneswar recorded a 43% rise in crime during the first half of 2026, with 9,934 cases registered compared with 6,968 cases in the corresponding period of 2025. The spike has renewed calls from residents and civic groups for proactive policing, better street-level visibility and faster response mechanisms.
| Period | Cases registered |
|---|---|
| H1 2025 | 6,968 |
| H1 2026 | 9,934 |
Priority areas and operational measures
The new DCP stressed a three-pronged approach: intensifying intelligence gathering, improving response systems and ensuring greater police visibility across the city. He said street crimes, anti-social behaviour and incidents of public disorder would be addressed firmly. Officials expect actions to include:
- Targeted intelligence-led operations to identify and neutralise habitual offenders;
- Enhanced night patrolling and deployment in public spaces to increase visibility;
- Special focus on women’s safety, including community outreach and faster redressal protocols.
Police sources said coordination with local community groups and resident welfare associations will be stepped up to build public confidence and encourage reporting of suspicious activity. The DCP also flagged the importance of strengthening informant networks and leveraging technological tools to track crime patterns.
Public response and expectations
Residents and traders welcomed the appointment but urged quick, demonstrable action. Many said they expect improved street lighting, timely patrolling in market areas and quicker responses to emergency calls. Community leaders suggested regular interaction forums between police and citizen groups so concerns can be addressed before they escalate.
City traffic and law-and-order pressures increase as the festive season approaches, with larger crowds and extended commercial activity creating more opportunities for petty offences. The DCP’s pledge to implement the special enforcement drive may see additional manpower and temporary checkpoints in high-risk areas, officials indicated.
What residents should do
As the police roll out planned measures, residents are advised to:
- Report suspicious behaviour promptly via local police helplines and the 100 emergency number;
- Participate in neighbourhood watch or resident association meetings to coordinate safety steps;
- Secure valuables during outings and avoid isolated routes at night where possible.
Local authorities said outcome-oriented targets for the enforcement drive will be monitored and reviewed in coordination with city police leadership. The DCP’s emphasis on proactive policing and community engagement is intended to reassure citizens while building operational momentum to counter the recent rise in offences.
Further details on specific deployments and timelines for the enforcement drive are expected after consultations between the DCP, the police commissioner and district-level command, officials added.
