Internet services suspended in violence hit Odisha’s Bhadrak district
Bhadrak, Odisha: The Odisha government has extended the suspension of internet services in Bhadrak district of the Indian state for another 48 hours after violence erupted between two groups over an “objectionable” social media post.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the clashes prompted the local administration to impose indefinite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in areas under Puranabazar police station.
The situation remains tense, with 15 people, mostly Muslims, arrested by the police. Initially, internet services were suspended for 48 hours, set to end at 2 am on September 30. However, this period has now been extended by another 48 hours to help manage the situation, according to Satyajit Naik, DIG of Odisha Police (eastern range).
Additionally, two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been dispatched from the Ministry of Home Affairs; one company has been deployed in Bhadrak town while the other is stationed in Dhamnagar. In addition to the RAF, 10 platoons of Odisha Police have been stationed in Puranabazar area of Bhadrak town, with another five platoons assigned to Dhamnagar.
The RAF personnel conducted a flag march in both Dhamnagar and Bhadrak town on Sunday, attended by the DIG, Bhadrak collector Dilip Routrai and SP Varun Guntupalli.
