Internet Services Suspended for 48 Hrs in Odisha's Bhadrak Amid Communal Clash, Security Tightened

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has suspended internet services in Bhadrak district for 48 hours, until September 30, following communal incidents due to social media postings. "The district administration has expressed concern of misuse of internet for spreading communal violence," read the order issued by the government.

Tension prevailed in Bhadrak district on Friday after a clash between two communities over a controversial social media post, prompting the administration to impose prohibitory orders in areas under the Puranabazar police station, officials said. At least two police personnel were injured in stone pelting, which led the administration to promulgate Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for an indefinite period.

The trouble began when a youth from a particular community made a controversial social media post, prompting members of the other group to take out a protest rally. Members of the two communities brick-batted each other, an official reported. When a police team arrived and objected to the rally, which was held without prior permission, some protesters attacked the police personnel. The Bhadrak DSP and Bhadrak Town Police Station SI suffered injuries during the violence.

Deputy Inspector General, Eastern Range, Satyajit Naik, stated that the situation is under control and those allegedly involved have been identified. "FIR has been registered and culprits have been identified. Strong legal action will be taken against the culprits," he added.

Ten platoons of security forces were deployed on Friday night to patrol the area and maintain order. "We have deployed 10 platoons of forces who are carrying out flag marches in the area. Area domination is also being conducted. Along with that, picketing, patrolling, and other activities to maintain peace are being conducted by the police," he said.

The order issued by Additional Chief Secretary of the state home department, Staybrata Sahu, stated that access to social media platforms has been blocked to maintain peace in the region. "In order to prevent the spread of inflammatory and motivated messages to disturb public order in Bhadrak district and restore peace and amity, prohibition of the use and access of social media platforms has been extended like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and any other through internet and other mediums of data services indicated for 48 hours up to 0200 hrs of September 30 in Bhadrak district," the order added.