BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has suspended internet services in Bhadrak district for the next 48 hours following a violent protest in the Purunabazar area over an "objectionable" social media post that allegedly hurt religious sentiments of a particular community.
The violent mod had vandalised government vehicles and resorted to stone pelting when the police intervened to stop the unauthorised rally, resulting in injuries to the Tehsildar and two police officers, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
When police intervened to stop the unauthorised rally, the protestors began pelting stones, resulting in injuries to two policemen, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
The vehicle of the Bhadrak Tehsildar was damaged during the chaos. Violence subsequently erupted between two communities in the Santhia area of the district, later spreading to the Dhamnagar area.
State Police deputed DIG of Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) Satyajit Naik to Bhadrak district to monitor the law and order situation.
The Home department issued a notification on Saturday morning, announcing the suspension of internet services across the district for 48 hours, until 2 a.m. on 30 September, under the provisions of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
The order prohibits the use and access of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other forms of data services, including mobile internet and broadband, to prevent the spread of inflammatory messages and restore peace and amity.
the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS in the Puruna Bazaar and Dhamnagar police station areas to maintain law and order. "Any congregation, gathering, meeting, agitation is strictly prohibited in the proceeding area, and violations shall be viewed seriously by the district administration," the notification issued by Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home department, stated.
Internet services as well as broadband dial up system will remain suspended till 2 am on September 30. The Home department also pointed out that in the past there have been various violent communal incidents due to controversial posts on the social media.
"The situation is under control and no further incident of violence was reported. While 10 platoons of police force carried out a flag march in Purunabazar area, six platoons were engaged in Dhamnagar. More arrests will likely be made in connection with the violence," said Naik.
Senior officials, including the DIG, Bhadrak SP, and the District Collector, are actively monitoring the situation and engaging in discussions with members of the peace committee.
(With inputs from PTI)
