Bhadrak: Police have arrested nine individuals in connection with the recent violence in Bhadrak town. The individual responsible for the controversial social media post, which led to the disturbance, has been also arrested.
The arrests follow an investigation into the unrest that occurred after a ‘contentious’ social media post sparked tensions.
The accused were allegedly involved in inciting violence and pelting stones at the police on Friday afternoon, according to Bhadrak Superintendent of Police (SP).
To curb the spread of inflammatory content and restore peace, the district administration has suspended internet services for 48 hours, effective until 2 a.m. on September 30.
This action was taken under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, prohibits access to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), along with mobile internet and broadband services.
Additionally, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS have been enforced in Puruna Bazaar and Dhamnagar areas to maintain law and order. Fourteen platoons of police have been deployed to violence-affected regions.
The unrest began during a rally protesting the social media post. During the rally, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and a sub-inspector were injured by stone pelting, and a vehicle belonging to the Bhadrak tehsildar was significantly damaged.
