Bhadrak: The Bhadrak administration has suspended internet services for 48 hours due to communal tension triggered by an objectionable social media post. Section 163 under BNSS has been imposed in Dhamanagar NAC and nearby areas. Nine persons have been detained, and significant police forces have been deployed.
“Messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X and other such media have the potential to inflame communal tension thereby leading to acts causing disturbance of public order in Bhadrak district. Therefore, in order to prevent the spread of such inflammatory and motivated messages to circulate in the above mentioned media to disturb the public order in whole Bhadrak district and restore peace and amity, I Shri Satyabrata Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Govt, Home Department do hereby extend prohibition of the use and access of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X and any other through internet and other medium of data services,” read the official letter.
The police have detained nine persons in connection with the incident. Any congregation, gathering, meeting and agitation are strictly prohibited under the proceeding area and any violation of the same will be viewed seriously.
Section 163 under BNSS has been imposed in Dhamanagar NAC and other nearby areas. At least 10 platoons of police forces have been deployed in Puruna Bazar while another 4 platoons of police have been deployed in Dhamnagar NAC and Dobal village, it was learnt.
Notably, the clashes started following a post on Facebook and 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.
