Bhadrak communal tension: Internet shutdown continues, strict restrictions under BNSS 163 effective

Amid the recent communal tension in Bhadrak, strict restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) continued to remain effective for the third day while internet services were also suspended on Sunday. 

The Odisha government has also suspended internet services in the district for 48 hours till 2 am on September 30 following communal tensions over an objectionable Facebook post. Any congregation, gathering, meeting, and agitation are strictly prohibited under the proceeding area and any violation of the same will be viewed seriously.

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 such inflammatory and motivated messages and restore peace and amity.

In addition, 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.

On the other hand, Bhadrak police have arrested a total of 7 people in this incident including the person who shared the objectionable Facebook post.

As per reports, the clashes started following a post on Facebook and a group took out a rally and staged a road blockade by burning tyres demanding immediate arrest of the person behind the post. However, when police tried to pacify them, the matter took an ugly turn and stones were pelted at the police.

In the process, three senior police officials sustained injuries. Later, police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the protestors.