Violence erupts in Bhadrak forcing suspension of internet services, know more

Violence erupts in Bhadrak forcing suspension of internet services, know more

Police officers standing guard in Bhadrak after violent clashes erupted over a controversial social media post, resulting in stone pelting and damage to government vehicles. A curfew has been imposed in the area to maintain public safety.

Durgesh Dubey
28 Sep, 2024

internet

Violence erupted in Bhadrak on Friday evening after members of a particular community engaged in heavy stone pelting against police and vandalized government vehicles in response to a controversial social media post. In an effort to prevent communal tensions, the administration imposed a curfew in parts of the district headquarters.

The mob damaged the vehicle of the local tehsildar, and two police officers, including the city DSP and a sub-inspector, sustained injuries from the stone pelting. The curfew was implemented within the jurisdiction of the Purunabazar police station. Bhadrak SDM Manoj Patra stated that an old social media post upset members of the community in Purunabazar and nearby areas. The unrest was ignited by a post from a youth that sparked outrage among community members, leading to the mobilization of support for a bike rally.

Despite the building tensions, local police were initially unaware of the situation. The community held a bike rally at 4:30 PM, which took the police by surprise. When the Purunabazar police attempted to stop the unauthorized rally, they advised the demonstrators to file a complaint against the youth for allegedly hurting their religious sentiments, but this was met with resistance.

Although the protestors did not continue with the rally, they blocked roads and refused to disperse, increasing their numbers. Police informed the tehsildar of the unlawful assembly and requested intervention. When Khuntia arrived, the protestors began throwing stones, prompting police to act and disperse the crowd as evening fell. At least nine platoons of police were deployed to contain the escalating violence.

To prevent further unrest between the two communities, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was enacted in the Purunabazar police jurisdiction for an indefinite period. ADG (law and order) Sanjay Kumar reported that Bhadrak SP and other senior officers were on-site and had managed to bring the situation under control.

At least three cases are set to be filed against the protestors for conducting the rally without permission, resorting to violence, and damaging the tehsildar's vehicle. Although the protestors did not lodge a complaint against the youth for the objectionable post, Purunabazar IIC is considering registering a suo motu case.

A complaint has been filed with Dhamnagar police against the youth for sharing the contentious post, leading to a case being registered against him. Bhadrak district has a history of communal sensitivity, having previously experienced violent incidents in April 2017 that resulted in significant property damage.

Following the clashes, the Odisha government suspended internet services in Bhadrak for 48 hours. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 were also imposed to prevent further gatherings and ensure public safety. The situation remains tense, with police maintaining a heavy presence to deter further unrest.