Bhubaneswar: The Police Commissionerate Bhubaneswar-Cuttack has asked its personnel not to take photographs or record videos using electronic devices for any purpose without prior permission.

The directive comes amid observations that some police personnel have been sharing videos related to their duties, deployments and workplaces on social media and other public platforms.

In the order, Commissioner of Police Suresh Dev Datta Singh said such videos could inadvertently reveal confidential information and sensitive locations of vital installations.

“Such lapses and negligence may lead to a breach of security and expose sensitive information to the public domain, thereby increasing security challenges in the future,” the order stated.

The Commissionerate has specifically directed police personnel deployed at vital installations, including Lok Bhawan, Lok Seva Bhawan, Sri Lingaraj Temple, the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Orissa High Court, Reserve Bank of India, armouries and other sensitive locations, not to take photographs or record videos using any electronic device without prior permission.

The Commissioner of Police also directed the in-charges of important installations to strictly monitor and prevent such practices.

Sentries deployed on duty have been strictly prohibited from using mobile phones while on duty, according to the order.

“Any violation of these instructions shall be viewed seriously and dealt with as per rules,” the order stated.

The directive comes against the backdrop of similar action by police authorities elsewhere. Recently, a Delhi Police constable was suspended for allegedly posting videos on social media showing a firearm while he was on duty during the recently concluded 18th BRICS Summit in the national capital.

The constable, posted with the Foreigners Cell of Delhi Police's North-West District, was deployed at a hotel as part of the security arrangements for the two-day summit.

The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi from September 11 to 13, 2026, amid heightened security arrangements.