Director-general of police KB Singh presents the Director-General's Award on Utkal Divas in Cuttack on Friday.

Odisha police on Friday celebrated its 81st Foundation Day across the state. Speaking at the state-level function at Cuttack to mark the occasion, chief minister Naveen Patnaik urged police officials to intensify crackdowns on tender mafia and other organised crimes.

Naveen also announced an increase in the welfare fund for police personnel from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh annually.

The force came into existence with only 4,000 personnel in 1936 and now boasts a the total strength of more than 66,000.

Picture by Badrika Nath Das