Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over the leakage of sensitive details about VVIP movements on social media, Odisha govt has directed authorities to curb such practices to safeguard against potential security breaches.In a letter to the DGP, director (intelligence), district collectors and SPs, the state home department on Thursday instructed strict compliance with established guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs to prevent disclosure of VVIP movements.“Emphasize strict due diligence in handling and sharing sensitive information, including minute-to-minute programmes of VVIPs, details of their security arrangements and other operational matters, to prevent unauthorized transmission,” the letter stated.Sources said the directive follows a recent MHA circular to all states highlighting zero-error security measures for dignitaries such as the president and prime minister. The govt observed that instances of unauthorized leaks, often through social media, have allowed sensitive details like schedule and security arrangements of top protected dignitaries to reach unauthorized persons and even the media, warning that such breaches carry serious repercussions.The govt has suggested several measures to maintain utmost secrecy of the VVIP visit programmes. “It stressed that information related to VVIP visits must be shared only with authorized stakeholders on a need-to-know basis, while secure communication networks should be built for coordination and command,” a govt official said.The govt cautioned that private messaging services pose a higher risk of leakage and directed officers not to share sensitive information through social media platforms.Police have been advised to adopt well-defined SOPs for handling and transmitting information, with strict adherence by all personnel. “We have asked senior officers to sensitize staff regularly, reiterating protocols before each visit to inculcate security awareness,” the official added.Although Odisha has not witnessed any recent breaches, police officers said they remain extremely vigilant. “We always follow protocols and never compromise on the security of VVIPs. We conduct regular training, rehearsals, and sensitisation programmes for personnel who are often assigned on security of VVIPs. The latest order of the govt will also be implemented on priority,” a senior police officer said.
