Odisha Police to visit homes of domestic violence to file FIR

Post Coronavirus outbreak, the populations worldwide have been instructed to “stay home” to limit the virus’s spread. In this quarantine, incidents of domestic violence have surged. Addressing this issue, on 15th April, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged law enforcers to take rigid action against people involved in domestic violence.

Heeding to the CM’s order, Odisha Police announced that complainants/accuser need not go to police stations for lodging FIRs during the lockdown period. The police will arrive at the complainant’s location upon receiving a call and also lodge an FIR, if essential, DGP Abhaya stated.

“On receipt of a telephone call, police will reach the spot/home and take necessary action. The victims can also approach the police online through Odisha Police Citizen Portal and Sahayata Mobile App,” he said.

Notably, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has already activated a WhatsApp number which can be used to report cases of domestic abuse. The NCW’s WhatsApp number -7217735372 – in addition to the online complaint links and emails are operational to take complaints.