THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 16, 2026
In a significant change at the helm of Odisha Police, senior
IPS officer Vinaytosh Mishra on Sunday assumed additional charge as the
Director General of Police (DGP), taking over at a crucial juncture marked by
growing concerns over women’s safety, drug abuse, cybercrime and the ongoing
flood situation in parts of the state.
A 1993-batch IPS officer and the serving DGP of the Crime
Branch, Mishra formally took charge from outgoing DGP Y B Khurania, who retired
from government service, at the Police Headquarters in Cuttack. Senior police
officers welcomed the new police chief, who was subsequently accorded a
ceremonial guard of honour.
Mishra, who is scheduled to retire from government service in
the coming months, will oversee the Odisha Police as its interim chief until a
regular DGP is appointed, officials said.
Born on November 3, 1966, in Madhubani district of Bihar,
Mishra holds a B.Sc. degree in Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Police
Management (MDPM). With decades of experience in the police service, he now
takes charge with a clear set of priorities aimed at strengthening public
safety and tackling emerging challenges.
Speaking to reporters after assuming office, Mishra said women’s
safety, creating a drug-free Odisha and combating cybercrime would receive
particular attention during his tenure. His priorities come at a time when
these issues have emerged as major concerns for law enforcement and society at
large.
With several parts of Odisha facing a flood situation, Mishra
also assured that the police would extend all necessary assistance to affected
people. He said the force would work in close coordination with the Odisha
Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) to support rescue, relief and emergency
response operations wherever required.
Mishra’s interim appointment, however, comes against the backdrop of judicial scrutiny surrounding the selection of a regular DGP for the state. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court alleging irregularities in the selection of candidates for the post.
The Supreme Court has directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) not to take a final decision on the matter until August 18, adding another layer of uncertainty to the process of appointing Odisha’s regular police chief.
