Prohibitory orders in Odisha’s Bhadrak after online post sparks clash, internet suspended for 48 hrs

Internet services were suspended in throughout the district for 48 hours to prevent the spread of such inflammatory messages, said an order issued by Odisha’s additional chief secretary, home, Satyabrata Sahu.

As per officials, a Facebook post disparaging a certain religion led to protests in the Puruna Bazar Police Station area Friday. The protests eventually turned violent, prompting the police to resort to lathicharge, they said.

In his prohibitory order under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bhadrak Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manoj Patra said at least two policemen – including a city DSP – were wounded in stone pelting. A government vehicle too was allegedly damaged in the protests, the order said.

“Police have also been asked to take any stringent action necessary to disperse the violent mob,” an official told The Indian Express.

With tensions still prevailing, police have dispatched at least seven units and also conducted a flag march. An FIR has yet to be registered in the case. “We’ve kept a close watch on the situation and are trying to bring it under control. Strict action will be taken against all those responsible for such a situation,” a senior police officer said.