Vinaytosh Mishra Takes Additional Charge as Odisha DGP, Focuses on Crime Control and Public Safety

Senior IPS Officer Assumes Additional Responsibility After Y.B. Khurania’s Retirement; Women’s Safety, Cybercrime and Organised Crime Control Among Key Priorities

Cuttack, August 16, 2026: Senior IPS officer Vinaytosh Mishra on Sunday assumed additional charge as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack. He took over the responsibility from outgoing DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.

Mishra, who is currently serving as DGP, CID-Crime Branch, was welcomed by senior police officials at the headquarters. He was accorded a guard of honour and later paid floral tribute at the martyrs’ memorial in honour of police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Speaking to the media after taking charge, Mishra expressed his gratitude to the Odisha Government for entrusting him with the additional responsibility. He said that carrying out the new assignment with dedication would remain his top priority.

Focus on Crime and Public Safety

The new interim police chief said Odisha Police would continue to give priority to crime prevention, women’s safety, combating organised crime, controlling cybercrime and building a drug-free Odisha.

Mishra also stressed the importance of strengthening public confidence in the police force. He called upon police officers and personnel to discharge their duties with integrity, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility, keeping the safety and service of citizens at the forefront.

Security During Festival Season

With the upcoming festival season approaching, Mishra said around 60,000 Odisha Police personnel would work in coordination with district administrations to maintain peace, law and order and public safety across the state. He said necessary arrangements would be made so that people can celebrate festivals safely and without fear.

He also highlighted the police response to flood-affected areas of Odisha. Coordination with ODRAF and district administrations will be strengthened to provide assistance to affected people and protect lives and property, he said.

1993-Batch IPS Officer

A 1993-batch Odisha-cadre IPS officer, Mishra has served in several important positions during his career, including assignments in Balasore, Talcher, Cuttack, Berhampur, Jajpur and the Crime Branch. He has also held senior responsibilities in intelligence, fire services, home guards, transport enforcement and the CISF.

He has been serving as DGP, Crime Branch, since January 1, 2025. He will continue in that role while holding the additional responsibility of Odisha DGP.