Bhadrak communal tension: Internet services to remain suspended for another 48 hours

Apprehending further tension following a communal rift over a controversial social media post, internet services will remain suspended for another 48 hours in Bhadrak, informed eastern range IG Satyajit Nayak on Sunday.

Speaking to media, Nayak said, “Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) will remain in force in the specific areas for an indefinite period and internet services will remain suspended for another 48 hours.”

Messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other such media which have the potential to flare communal tension thereby leading to acts causing disturbance of public order have been suspended in order to prevent the spread of inflammatory and motivated messages and restore peace and amity.

Earlier in the day, the state’s home department, in a notification, said that the internet services would remain suspended in Bhadrak for 48 hours till 2 am on September 30 under the provisions of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

Meanwhile, Bhadrak police has, so far, arrested 15 persons- eight from Old Bazaar area and seven from Dhamnagar including the prime accused of the case.

At least six platoons of police force, a company of Rapid Action Force, Odisha Special Armed Police and local police have been deployed in Dhamnagar NAC and other nearby areas.

Earlier in the day, Bhadrak Collector, eastern range DIG, SP, senior administrative officials along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) conducted a flag march in the town.

Notably, the clash between two communities erupted following an ‘objectionable’ post on Facebook. 

A group of people had lodged a complaint against a youth, who allegedly posted some ‘objectionable material’ on social media, hurting the religious sentiments of a community.

The members of the said group took out a protest rally on Friday, alleging delay in police action against the accused.

When the rally was stopped as it was held without prior permission of the administration, a team of police personnel was pelted with stones by the protesting people.

Two policemen, including the DSP, were injured and the vehicle of Bhadrak Tehsildar was damaged, police said.