Tension in Bhadrak over comments on Lord Ram; section 144 clamped

Bhadrak: Furious over the offensive comments posted about Lord Ram and Goddess Sita on a social media platform, the activists of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad took to streets in Bhadrak town resulting in protests and road blockade. The administration had to clamp prohibitory orders to prevent any untoward incident.

Shops and establishments closed down in view of the prevailing tension. The protestors gheraoed the Town Police station while five shops were reportedly set on fire at different locations.

“We have decided to take to streets because of the offensive comments made on lord Ram. Hope the district administration will become aware and take action,” said a protestor.

“We would demand the protestors to spare the commuters and common man,” said a commuter, stranded following the road block by protesters.

Police, on the other hand, to prevent any untoward incident and restrict flare up in violence, imposed section 144 in the city.

“We have brought the situation under control and deployed force at all the intersections in the city. A total of 10 platoons of police force have been deployed and we have mobilised police officials from all police stations of the district,” said additional SP of Bhadrak, Asit Mohanty.