Gang rape at beach throws spotlight on tourist police cell infra, staff shortage
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Bhubaneswar: The gang rape of a 20-year-old college student on a beach in Ganjam district on Sunday has raised questions about the effectiveness of tourist police cells in ensuring safety of visitors.
Eight tourist police cells were set up in 2015 in various locations — three in Bhubaneswar (at Lingaraj, Dhauli and Nandankanan police stations), three in Puri (at Sea Beach, Konark and Brahmagiri police stations), and one each at Gopalpur and Chandipur police stations. The cells are facing challenges in effective functioning due to inadequate infrastructure and staff shortage, operating with existing police station personnel.
"While each cell has a sanctioned strength of at least a sub-inspector, an assistant SI and six constables, they are running with half the number. Even though they are supposed to deal with tourist related matters, these personnel are being engaged in routine policing job," said a police officer, requesting anonymity.
The cells largely handle complaints about theft and robbery of tourist belongings, with additional reports of tourist harassment in Puri and Bhubaneswar.
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Tourism secretary Balwant Singh told TOI, "We previously sent a proposal to the home department, requesting to strengthen the existing tourist police cells with adequate manpower and other infrastructure. We will again pursue the matter."
Sources in the home department said the tourist police cells will be strengthened soon. "Recruitment plans are under consideration of the govt," a home department official said.
Deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the tourism portfolio, emphasised tourist safety is a priority. "I have already spoken with state police to enhance the safety measures at tourist destinations," Parida said.
The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) had prepared a 'Tourist Police Scheme' report in 2022, advising states to develop standard operating procedures, implement training for 'tourist cops', and establish uniform guidelines.
"We will conduct security audits and training programmes for tourism stakeholders. Proposals will be sent to local administrations to improve lighting systems and install CCTV cameras at popular tourist destinations. We will also improve police visibility and surveillance," a senior police officer said.
Police said the state witnesses minimal tourist-related crime. "Molestation of a Swedish woman near Lingaraj Temple in 2024 was the lone case against a foreigner reported in the state in the last four years. The case ended in conviction of the accused within three weeks. The number of offences involving theft and snatching of articles of domestic tourists is minimal," the police officer said.
The state received about 1.09 crore domestic and 53,392 foreign tourists in 2024, with Puri, Konark and Chilika lake the key attractions.
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