Amid increasing incidents of violent crimes across Odisha, concerns over deteriorating law and order have intensified. In response to the growing concern, the Commissionerate Police on Wednesday launched a special mobile application named ‘WE CARE SATHI’.

Also Read: Balianta murder case: From alleged assault to Crime Branch probe, how the incident unfolded

From Balianta to Berhampur and Cuttack to Jajpur, reports of brutal attacks, public assaults, and the use of deadly weapons in crowded places have triggered fear among citizens. The app has been introduced to provide quick emergency assistance and improve immediate police response for residents in urban areas.

Anti-socials appear to be losing fear of both the police and the legal system, as incidents involving guns, swords, and mob violence are being reported frequently. In several cases, criminals have allegedly attacked individuals openly in public, highlighting the growing boldness of anti-social elements.

Despite police crackdowns, arrests, and even encounter operations against the hardened criminals, such incidents continue to occur across different parts of the State. The recent barbaric incident in Balianta, which sparked widespread outrage, has further put the spotlight on the effectiveness of policing and public safety measures.

Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen communication between citizens and the police during emergencies. Through the new app, people can seek urgent help and alert authorities quickly in distress situations.

The move is being seen as an effort by the Commissionerate Police to rebuild public confidence and ensure faster protection for citizens amid rising security concerns.

“In a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and leveraging technology for crime prevention, the Commissionerate Police (Bhubaneswar-Cuttack) today officially launched its SOS mobile application,” a press release issued in this regard said.

“While the application is a comprehensive safety tool for all, the Commissionerate Police strongly encourages WOMEN to download and utilise the app. This initiative comes as a proactive measure to further strengthen the security infrastructure of the Capital City,” the official communiqué mentioned.