The Odisha government has imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services in Bhadrak district for 48 hours following violent communal clashes sparked by a Facebook post. The unrest, which began as a protest by a community over a social media post concerning their religious beliefs, escalated into violence, leading to injuries among police personnel.
According to an official order issued by the state’s additional chief secretary, Satyabrata Sahu, the suspension of internet services, including platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, will remain in effect until 2 a.m. on September 30, 2024. The order emphasized the potential for social media platforms to be misused to incite communal tensions and disrupt public order in Bhadrak and the nearby Dhamnagar areas.
In response to the violence, security has been tightened across the district. Additional police forces were deployed on Friday night after officers were injured during a stone-pelting incident. The district administration expressed concerns over the spread of inflammatory messages through messaging apps, which could further exacerbate tensions.
A video shared by a news agency showed several police personnel stationed in Bhadrak following the clashes, highlighting the severity of the situation. The state government’s move to restrict gatherings and internet access aims to restore peace and prevent further violence in the region.The situation remains tense, with authorities urging calm and cooperation from the public.