Odisha gets new DGP In-Charge: Crime Branch DG Vinaytosh Mishra to hold additional charge

In a key development in Odisha’s police administration, Crime Branch Director General Vinaytosh Mishra has been assigned the additional charge of the state’s Director General of Police (DGP). The proposal to entrust Mishra with the additional responsibility received the approval of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday. 1993 BATCH IPS OFFICER Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer, is currently serving as the Director General of the Crime Branch. He will now take on the additional responsibility of heading the Odisha Police. The development comes ahead of the completion of the tenure of incumbent DGP YB Khurania, who is scheduled to retire on August 16. Khurania had met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar earlier on Friday, in what came ahead of the leadership transition in the state police force. With Mishra being given the additional charge, the government has ensured continuity in the functioning of the state police administration as it works towards the appointment of a full-time DGP. Wait For Regular Appointment The appointment is significant as the DGP heads the state police force and oversees key areas including law and order, crime control and policing operations across Odisha. Mishra’s experience in the Crime Branch is also expected to be significant as he assumes the additional responsibility at a time when the state police administration is preparing for a change in leadership. The Odisha government is yet to announce whether Mishra will continue as DGP in-charge until a regular appointment is made or whether a full-time police chief will be appointed subsequently. Further details regarding the formal assumption of charge and the government’s decision on the regular DGP appointment are awaited.