Hanuman Jayanti: Security Beefed Up Across 6 Districts In Odisha; 32 Held For Sambalpur Violence

Bhubaneswar: A day after violence erupted during a bike rally in Sambalpur, security was beefed up across six sensitive districts of Odisha with mobilisation additional police forces ahead of Hanuman Jayanti processions on Friday.

According to sources, fresh batches of security forces have been deployed in Bhadrak, Balasore, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Nabarangpur and Koraput’s Jeypore to ensure peaceful passage of Hanuman Jayanti processions. “All SPs as well as the DCPs of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have been directed to remain extremely alert on issues related to communal harmony,” Additional director general (law and order), R K Sharma said, adding that the situation is under control in Sambalpur.

Cyber crime police stations have been asked to keep watch on social media platforms and take action against those who circulate hate messages.

“So far, 32 persons have been arrested for the violence. A total of 42 platoons of police personnel have been deployed in the town to maintain law and order. This apart, 20 patrolling parties are keeping a strict vigil. We had a meeting with the two groups and they have assured to extend cooperation. The Hanuman Jayanti procession will be conducted peacefully today,” Sambalpur SP Battula Gangadhar told the media.

He further said that police have identified 25 more people, who were involved in the violence on the basis of videos, and they would be nabbed soon.

Following the Wednesday evening clash, prohibitory orders were imposed under section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Sambalpur town and internet services were shut in the entire district for 48 hours from Thursday. To instil confidence among people, a flag march by security forces was conducted in Sambalpur town during the day and foot patrolling was carried out last evening.  A huge procession will be carried out from Brukspal Hanuman temple in the evening, sources said.

Similarly in Koraput sub-division, prohibitory orders have been clamped till April 24 between 3 pm and 9 am. In Jeypore sub-division, there is a restriction on unauthorised rally and procession for the same hours till April 20.