Safety, Celebration, and Civic Spirit Mark IPSOWA Mela

The opening of the three-day IPSOWA Diwali Mela at JAP-1 Ground in Ranchi brought together the spirit of celebration and the urgency of civic responsibility. While Chief Minister Hemant Soren and MLA Kalpana Soren inaugurated the annual event organised by the Indian Police Service Officers’ Wives Association (IPSOWA), the business community used the occasion to raise serious concerns about security and law and order in the capital.

The event, attended by top police officials including Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta and IPSOWA President Shikha Gupta, was marked by cultural enthusiasm and a call for social responsibility. But for members of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI), the day was also an opportunity to press for stronger safety measures in Ranchi’s commercial areas.

FJCCI Calls for Stronger Policing After Attack on Cement Trader

FJCCI President Aditya Malhotra, Secretary General Rohit Agarwal, and Law and Order Sub-Committee Chairman Mukesh Agarwal met DGP Anurag Gupta at the venue and demanded swift action in connection with the recent attack on a city-based cement trader. The Chamber delegation urged the police to ensure the early arrest of the accused and enhance checking arrangements at all city entry points.

They also requested that special attention be paid to preventing open gambling and other unlawful activities on streets during Diwali to discourage the gathering of anti-social elements.

DGP Gupta assured the delegation that police teams were working on the case with full seriousness and that an early breakthrough was expected. Mukesh Agarwal also contacted the victim’s family and was informed that the trader’s condition was stable and improving. The family expressed faith in the ongoing police investigation and sought continued support from the Chamber.

CM Hails IPSOWA’s Social Role

Inaugurating the IPSOWA Diwali Mela, Chief Minister Hemant Soren commended the association for its long-standing commitment to social causes. He said IPSOWA has consistently supported underprivileged and marginalised communities through welfare activities and remains an example of compassion within the state’s policing community.

“IPSOWA is not a new name for Jharkhand. The association has walked a long path of service. It has reached out to people who have been left out of the mainstream and continues to work for them. I congratulate IPSOWA for its social engagement,” said the Chief Minister.

He added that the police department, which protects citizens’ lives and property, is supported by families who share that sense of duty. “Through such events, IPSOWA moves toward new goals with a spirit of service and dedication. I am confident that their efforts will continue to inspire society,” he said.

Building Trust Between Police and Public

The presence of both business leaders and senior police officers at the event reflected an emerging partnership between Jharkhand’s civic and commercial stakeholders. While IPSOWA’s Diwali Mela showcased the humane and community-oriented face of the police, the FJCCI’s engagement highlighted the expectations of the business community for a safer, more secure city environment.

DGP Gupta and IPSOWA members, including ADG Priya Dubey and other senior officials, interacted with citizens and local entrepreneurs at the fair, reinforcing the message that law enforcement and social outreach go hand in hand.

The Chamber leaders said they viewed such interactions as opportunities to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the business community, especially as Ranchi’s commercial activity expands and festive footfall increases.

Festivity and Vigilance Go Together

As Ranchi gears up for the festive season, the twin messages from the day were clear: celebration must go hand in hand with vigilance, and civic participation remains key to public safety.

For IPSOWA, the Diwali Mela was another step in using cultural platforms for social outreach. For the FJCCI, it was a reminder that the business community remains a partner in the state’s pursuit of safety and growth.

The event concluded with the Chief Minister extending greetings to all visitors and calling on citizens to ensure that “every person in need finds someone standing by their side.”