Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday directed director general of police (DGP) Abhay to deal with domestic violence cases with an iron hand during the lockdown period.
Reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the state, the Chief Minister directed the DGP to keep a strict eye on the habitual offenders indulging in domestic violence.
He said the Odisha Police should identify the habitual offenders and extend help to the complainants through phone calls.
Patnaik also directed the police to ensure that works of farmers and movement of their agricultural produce are not disrupted during the lockdown period.
He also expressed his happiness over coronavirus statistics levelling off and going down in the state.
“I am pleased to see that the corona statistics are levelling the state and going down, that’s a very good sign,” said Patnaik.
“And those who are responsible for this including doctors, health workers, police and administrative officials, very well done,” he added.
Following the Chief Minister’s direction, DGP Abhay directed the Investigation Unit for Crime against Women (IUCAW) of all the 30 districts to remain extra alert and active during lockdown period.
He also requested the victims of domestic violence to inform the local police on the contact number without physically coming to the police stations and directed the cops across the state to collect the complaints from the victims after getting the information through telephone.
In a press note, DGP said, “To lodge the complaint, during the lockdown period, victims of domestic violence need not come to police stations. On receipt of telephone, police will reach the spot/home to collect complaints/FIR and take necessary action. They can also approach police through Odisha Police Citizen Portal and Sahayata Mobile APP.”
The Chief Minister also ordered setting up of COVID-19 hospital in each district in the next one week.