Following a group clash, the district administration has clamped curfew in the entire Balasore Municipality area for an indefinite period to bring the situation under control.
Besides, internet services have been suspended in some sensitive areas to prevent any untoward situation. Shops, schools and other institutions have also been shut to bring peace in the region.
Police have appealed to people to avoid coming out of their houses.
Speaking on the current situation, Balasore SP Sagarika Nath said that the situation is under control. "Multiple FIRs (7 so far) have been registered over yesterday's incident; based on those FIRs, legal action will be taken. More than 40 platoons of police force have been deployed. As of now, 34 persons have been detained in connection with the incident," she informed.
What Led to the Curfew Situation in Balasore?
On Monday (June 17), some local people spotted the water flowing in the drain near the Pir turning red. The news spread and soon people came onto the road and staged a protest and blocked the Chandipur-Balasore main road.
Later, the incident snowballed into a group clash with another community opposing the demonstration and in no time, the two sides resorted to pelting stones at each other.
On being informed, police reached the spot and tried to bring the situation under control. Though the situation was brought under control, there was palpable tension in the locality.
The Balasore district administration then clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 in the area from Pir Bazar to Patrapada to prevent further escalation of tensions as a clash broke out between two groups near Bhujakhia Pir in Balasore town.
Any Casualty in the Group Clash?
Reportedly, four to five people including some police personnel sustained injuries in the incident.
Moreover, as many as 15 to 20 vehicles were damaged completely in the clash.
Also Read | Group Clash Erupts in Odisha’s Balasore; 5 injured & 20 Vehicles Ransacked, Section 144 Imposed
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi appealed to different communities to maintain peace and harmony. He also discussed with the district Collector and the SP and asked them to bring the situation under control.