Balianta incident will help identify gaps in policing: DGP

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the shocking Balianta lynching incident, DGP Y B Khurania on Sunday said the tragedy would help them identify gaps in policing while he promised corrective measures. His statement comes a day after chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi strongly reprimanded the police leadership over the incident.Khurania held two separate meetings — one with Bhubaneswar police officers and another via video link with SPs of all districts. He issued strict instructions to enhance police visibility in public spaces and restore public confidence.“The lynching incident may have created a sense of insecurity in the public. I want to assure the people of Bhubaneswar and the rest of Odisha that the state police are equipped to take care of their safety and security. We will take the Balianta incident as a lesson to review our policing systems and identify shortcomings,” Khurania told reporters.The DGP stressed that the Balianta incident must serve as a turning point for Odisha police. “We will review our security systems and improve the areas where we lack. We are grateful to the govt for equipping us with more vehicles, bikes, funds and manpower. We must deliver. I assure everyone that we will deliver,” he said, promising swift action to rebuild public trust.The DGP directed inspectors in-charge of all Bhubaneswar police stations to remain vigilant and handle mob violence with sensitivity. He emphasised the need for training lower-rung personnel such as constables, havildars and home guards — who often operate police control room (PCR) vans — on managing volatile situations.