Tension in Odisha’s Bhadrak over ‘controversial social media post’: 3 cops injured, BNSS Section 163 imposed

As many as three senior police officials were seriously injured as tension erupted near Santhia in Bhadrak district allegedly during a rally against a controversial post on social media on Friday.

The vehicle of the Bhadrak Tehsildar was also severely damaged in the process.

The injured police personnel have been identified as Bhadrak Town SI Rozen Murmu, IIC Ajay Sudarshan Bage and City DSP Anshuman Dwivedi. 

Murmu has been admitted to the nearby hospital after sustaining serious injuries in the head.

As per reports, a post on Facebook reportedly triggered resentment and subsequently, a group took out a rally and staged 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. 

In reply, police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the protestors. Considering the seriousness of the situation, as many as seven platoons of police force and three IICs have been deployed at the spot. Police also conducted a flag march in the area to control the law and order situation.

Section 163 under BNSS has been imposed in the area following the incident. As per the order by the district administration, any congregation, gathering, meeting and agitation are strictly prohibited under the proceeding area and any violation of the same will be viewed seriously.

“Keeping in view the matter as urgent in nature and in order to avoid severe communal tension between two communities, I Sri Monaj Patra, OAS (S) SDM, Bhadrak by virtue of the power conferred on me do hereby promulgate a proceeding U/S 163 BNSS for an indefinite period until further order,” read the order issued by SDM, Bhadrak.

“The IIC Purunabazar PS is hereby directed to promulgate the order through mic announcement within the jurisdiction of the PS area with immediate effect. The Tahasildar, Bhadrak is hereby deputed as Executive Magistrate and to take necessary stringent action by mobilising the police force in order to disperse the violent mob,” it further read.