Odisha’s Balasore Town Under Curfew After Group Clash, Internet Suspended For 48 Hours

Balasore: Curfew was clamped in Balasore municipality area for an indefinite period on Tuesday to avoid any untoward incident after a face-off between two groups led to stone pelting and detention of traffic for several hours the previous day.

According to sources, commercial establishments, shops, schools and other institutions have been shut to bring peace in the region. All roads connecting Balsore have been sealed by district police.

To stop the spread of any misinformation, which can cause violence, the district administration has also suspended internet services for 48 hours. The services will be available only at the collectorate and SP office.

Speaking to the media earlier, Balasore SP Sagarika Nath urged the resident to cooperate and stay indoors. “No movement will be allowed. All commercial establishments and schools will remain closed. A proposal has been sent and internet services will be suspended by afternoon.”

She further said that the situation is under control. “Multiple FIRs (7 so far) have been registered over yesterday’s incident. Based on those FIRs, legal action will be taken. More than 40 platoons of police force have been deployed in Balasore, especially in area where we suspect possible flare-ups. As of now, 34 persons have been detained in connection with the incident. Further action will be taken on basis of interrogation and evidence,” she said.

Those appearing for exams will be allowed on producing admit cards and such leniency will also be shown in case of medical emergency, the SP added.

On Monday, the conflict began when protestors detained vehicles, disrupting communication between Balasore town and Chandipur, from 11 am over alleged animal slaughter. The situation soon escalated into stone pelting from both sides. At least seven persons, including two policemen, were injured and 10 motorcycles and two cars were damaged. To bring matters under control, restrictions under section 144 of the CrPC were imposed by the administration.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke to district collector Ashish Thakare and directed for implementation of swift measures to manage the unrest. The CM also appealed to everyone to maintain brotherhood and peace.

“Adequate police arrangements in the sensitive areas have been made and the situation is getting under control though some sporadic violence was reported in some places yesterday,” said a senior police officer.