Curfew In Sambalpur May Be Lifted In A Day Or Two If Normalcy Returns: Odisha DGP

Sambalpur: With the situation in violence-torn Sambalpur limping back to normalcy, Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) Sunil Bansal on Sunday said curfew restrictions may be lifted in a day or two if further improvement is noticed.

The state police chief, who reached arson-hit Sambalpur on Saturday and took stock of the situation in the western Odisha city, held a fresh review meeting with senior officials on Sunday.

Soon after the review meeting, Bansal told reporters that the curfew had been clamped following violent incidents on April 14. Curfew restrictions continue to be in force in different parts of the city as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident.

Stating that improvement in the situation was noticed while restrictions were relaxed today for various examinations, the DGP said the situation is expected to become normal.

Expressing the hope that normalcy will be restored soon, Bansal said a close vigil is being maintained and curfew will be lifted in a day or two after the situation improves further.

Regarding people responsible for the arson, the police chief said it has been the consistent policy of the state police is to identify those ivolved in violence and arrest them as per law.

Asserting that there will be no leniency towards anyone, Bansal said that police will conduct a thorough  investigation and take action against those involved in violence in an impartial manner as per law.

The DGP also appealed to thepeople to cooperate with police and administration for restoration of normalcy.

Sambalpur Collector Ananya Das also maintained that the situation has shown signs of improvement. Different recruitment  exams scheduled on the day are being held smoothly and the situation in the city is peaceful, she said.

The administration is keeping a close watch on the situation and  police patrolling has been stepped up, while a decision on lifting the ban on internet services will be taken after thorough assessment of the situation.

The western Odisha city witnessed large-scale violence in the run-up to Hanuman Mahotsav celebrations, prompting the district authorities to clamp curfew, ban internet services and undertake massive force deployment to prevent any further flare up.

While 26 people were arrested in connection with the stone throwing incident during bike rally on April 12, 53 others have been taken into custody for violence and arson during procession on April 14, Sambalpur Superintendent of Police (SP) B Gangadhar said.

Stating that some accused persons are absconding, he said it appears that incident was pre-planned. Over 100 people, involved in violent incidents, have been identified and a hunt is on to nab them.