Bhadrak Violence: Youth Behind ‘Objectionable’ Social Media Post Arrested

Bhadrak: Police have arrested 9 persons in connection with violence in Odisha’s Bhadrak town and the person behind the ‘objectionable’ Facebook post.

Bhadrak SP told the media that the police have arrested 9 persons for their involvement in inciting violence and pelting stones at police on Friday afternoon. Further investigation is going on to identify others involved in the incident, he added.

The person, who was behind the Facebook post that led to the unrest in the town has also been arrested from Bhadrak town.

Earlier in the day, the district administration has suspended internet services in the district for 48 hours. The restriction has been imposed till 2 am of September 30 across the district under the provisions of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

According to the order issued by the Home Department, the use and access of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other medium of data services, mobile internet and broadband services will be prohibited to prevent the spread of inflammatory messages and restore peace and amity.

The district administration has already clamped prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS in Puruna Bazaar and Dhamnagar area to maintain law and order. At least 14 platoons of police force have been deployed in violence-hit Puruuna Bazaar and Dhamnagar.

It may be noted that deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and a police sub-inspector were injured in stone pelting and a vehicle of the Bhadrak tehsildar was severely damaged while a rally was being taken out in protest against the social media post on Friday.

Also Read: Internet Services Suspended In Odisha’s Bhadrak After Violence Over Facebook Post, 9 Held