The Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, has asked the jawans of the Special Security Battalion (SSB) to remove tattoos from their bodies within 15 days.

Officials said the decision has been taken to maintain professionalism.

Deputy commissioner of police (security) Sudhakar Mishra in his order said: “A good number of unit men are found making tattoos on their body which demeans the image of the Battalion as well as Odisha Police since these are offensive, obscene and derogatory in nature. After careful consideration, it is decided that from today onwards tattoos that are visible while wearing uniform are not permitted.”

The order further said: “All Guard I/Cs( In-Charge) are directed to make a list of men having tattoos on their body part easily noticeable while wearing uniform and ask them to permanently remove the tattoos within 15 days from the date of receiving the orders, failing which necessary departmental actions as deemed fit shall be initiated against the wrongdoers. Once again, it is advised to avoid getting inked on the face, neck and hand to maintain a level of professionalism.”

Mishra told The Telegraph: “The order was issued to maintain high professionalism. We need to maintain discipline, decorum, and dress code too.”