Bhadrak: Internet service has been suspended after a violence broke out in Bhadrak district’s Santhia area on Friday night over a contentious social media post.
As per the latest information, nine individuals have been taken into custody and ten platoons of police force have been deployed along with numerous officers in the town to maintain law and order in the district. Besides, police flag marches and vehicle patrols are being conducted, with checks and barricades in place. Gatherings are being strictly monitored.
Senior officials, including DIG, Bhadrak SP, and the District Collector, are monitoring the situation, conducting flag marches, and holding discussions with the peace committee.
Meanwhile, a crucial meeting was held at Puruna Bazar police station, attended by District Collector Dilip Routrai, DIG Satyajit Nayak, Bhadrak MLA Sitansu Sekhar Mohapatra, Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Barun Guntupalli, Additional District Magistrate Santanu Mohanty and other administrative and police officials.
The meeting discussed the strategies to apprehend individuals involved in the violence and posting inflammatory content. Keeping the tense situation in mind, internet services have been suspended for 48 hours to prevent the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content. And shops and markets will be allowed to open at designated times.
It may be mentioned that to maintain law and order, Section 163 of BNSS has been imposed in Puruna Bazar and surrounding areas as part of measures to avoid further violence in the locality.
Talking to the media, DIG stated that “Cyber cell is investigating the contentious social media post, and action will be taken if it is found true. However, individuals involved in violence, attacking police, damaging public property, and disrupting peace will not be spared.”
It is pertinent to mention that tension gripped the Santhia area in Bhadrak district on Friday after a protest against a controversial social media post turned violent, leaving three senior police officials seriously injured. The vehicle of the Bhadrak Tehsildar was also heavily damaged in the chaos. The district administration has clamped prohibitory orders under section 163 BNSS in the area for an indefinite period.
Similar tensions were reported in Dhamnagar, where a specific community protested, blocking roads. Consequently, Section 163 of BNSS has been imposed in Dhamnagar Notified Area Council, Dobol, and surrounding areas, with four platoons of forces deployed.
