Internet shut, prohibitory orders in THIS Odisha district after communal clashes erupt over ‘inflammatory’ social media post

Following communal tensions in Bhadrak, a notification was issued by the Odisha Home department, ordering the suspension of internet services for 48 hours till 2 am on September 30 across the district.

Odisha communal clashes: Internet services were suspended for two days and prohibitory orders imposed in Bhadrak district in Odisha after an “objectionable” social media post triggered communal clashes even as a mob clashed with the local police and pelted stones as protests turned over the ‘inflammatory’ post turned violent.

Following communal tensions in Bhadrak, a notification was issued by the state’s Home department, ordering the suspension of internet services across the district for 48 hours till 2 am on September 30 across under the provisions of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, officials said

The Home department’s order also banned the use of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other medium of data services, adding that mobile internet and broadband services will be prohibited to prevent the spread of inflammatory messages to restore peace and amity.

Bhadrak communal tensions

On Friday, protests erupted after an “objectionable” Facebook post triggered resentment in the area for allegedly hurting the sentiments of a community. Locals hit the streets and blocked roads by protest, demanding the arrest of the person who made the post. The protests turned violent when police arrived at the scene but were met with a barrage of stones from the protesters, resulting in injuries to five policemen, including two officers.

Police responded by resorting to mild baton charge to disperse the protesters, said an official.

Clashes also erupted between two groups from different communities, prompting the district authorities to impose prohibitory orders in the district.

Prohibitory orders imposed

According to the police, a group of people had filed a complaint against a youth who allegedly posted some objectionable material on social media hurting the religious sentiments of a community. The members of a particular community took out a protest rally on Friday alleging delay in police action against the accused.

When police stopped the rally as it was held without prior permission of the administration, the protestors pelted stones at police in which two policemen including a DSP were injured and the vehicle of Bhadrak Tehsildar was damaged, they said.

A clash broke out between two communities in Santhia area of the district over social media posts on Friday afternoon. The violence later spread to Dhamnagar area in the district, police said.

“Any congregation, gathering, meeting, agitation are strictly prohibited in the proceeding area and violation of the same shall be viewed seriously by the district administration,” the order issued by the district administration said.

Meanwhile, the district administration on Friday imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS in Puruna Bazaar and Dhamnagar police station area to maintain law and order.

At least 14 platoons (1 platoon is comprised of 30 personnel) of police force have been deployed in violence-hit Puruuna Bazaar and Dhamnagar, police said, adding that nine people have been taken into custody over the violence.

The police also staged flag marches and intensified patrolling to restore peace in the district, even as senior officials, including DIG, Bhadrak SP, and the District Collector, are monitoring the situation and holding discussions with members of the peace committee, they added.

(With PTI inputs)