Sundargarh: Internet services were suspended in Odisha’s Sundargarh for 24 hours after a violent group clash left 12 people injured in the town on Thursday.
Acting swiftly to maintain peace and prevent any further escalation, the district administration suspended internet services in the town for 24 hours from 6 pm on Thursday.
According to Sundargarh District Collector Subhankar Mohapatra, prohibitory orders under Section 163 has already been imposed in Regent Market area of the town to prevent further unrest, along with the temporary suspension of internet services to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain public order.
The move came after at least 12 people, including four police personnel, were injured in a group clash that erupted near Regent Market under the jurisdiction of Sundargarh Town Police Station.
Sources said the violence reportedly began over a petty quarrel following a rumour and quickly escalated, with the two groups resorting to stone-pelting. Sticks and swords were also reported to have been used by some people during the clash.
Police personnel rushed to the spot to restore order and some of them were also injured in the violence. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Senior officials of the district administration and police visited the spot and are closely monitoring the situation. The authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading and heeding rumours.
