Bhubaneswar: About three months ahead of his retirement, the director general of state crime branch, Vinaytosh Mishra, on Sunday assumed additional charge as the interim director general of police (DGP) of Odisha.The 1993 batch IPS officer Mishra took over from outgoing DGP Y B Khurania after the state govt, citing delay in the appointment of a regular successor, named him ad‑hoc chief of the force on Friday.Soon after assuming office, Mishra outlined his immediate priorities. “Strengthening grassroots policing, enhancing investigation and conviction rates and intensifying the fight against narcotics and cybercrime will be my focus areas,” Mishra told reporters. He added that community engagement and technology‑driven policing would be crucial to make the force more responsive.Khurania expressed confidence in his in-charge successor. “I am certain Mishra will carry forward the reforms we initiated. Policing is about consistency and he has the ability to deliver,” Khurania said.
