Bhadrak, Sept 28: Internet services have been suspended following communal tension in the district triggered by an ‘objectionable’ social media post.
Police are on high alert following an incident where a Facebook post triggered violence and an attack on police officers, as well as damage to a magistrate's vehicle.
The DIG emphasized that troublemakers will not be spared. The attack occurred near Santhia, prompting an urgent meeting at the Old Bazaar police station attended by key officials including the District Collector Dilip Routray, Eastern Range DIG Satyajit Nayak, Bhadrak MLA Sitanshu Sekhar Mahapatra, SP Barun Guntupalli, and Additional Collector Shantanu Mohanty.
The meeting addressed the disturbances in Bhadrak that resulted from provocative social media posts, leading to disturbances and agitation. Discussions were held on how to apprehend those responsible for the violence and their social media activities. As a precautionary measure, a curfew under Section 163 has been imposed for a indefinite period of time in the Old Bazaar area, with 10 platoons of police deployed throughout the city. Police have increased patrols and set up checkpoints to monitor vehicles.
Public gatherings are restricted, especially after a particular community blocked roads in front of the Dhamnagar police station, resulting in heightened tensions. Consequently, Section 163 has also been enacted in the Dhamnagar jurisdiction and surrounding areas.
The DIG, SP, and other officials have been actively overseeing the situation and have engaged with peace committees to restore order. The DIG stated that the cyber cell is investigating the controversial post. However, individuals involved in attacking police and damaging government property will not be let go easily.
From today, announcements will be made in the city via loudspeakers. Specific timings will be set for reopening shops in the market, as said by DSP Anshuman Dwivedi.
