Bhadrak: Internet services will remain suspended in five areas – Bhadrak Municipality, Bhadrak Block, Dhamnagar NAC, Dhamnagar Block and Tihidi Block – of Odisha’s Bhadrak district till 6 pm on Friday.
“The restriction on Internet usage to prevent misuse of social media in 2 ULBs and 3 Blocks of Bhadrak District has been extended by another 12 hours from 6 AM to 6 PM today for maintaining peace and harmony between different communities in the district,” the Bhadrak district administration posted on X.
Internet services were withdrawn for 24 hours in these areas from 6 am on Thursday in the wake of tension following the death of a man on Wednesday after a clash between two communities over cattle smuggling on May 30.
Santosh Parida (45) of Kasati village died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He was allegedly attacked by members of a rival group for opposing cattle smuggling.
Around 27 platoons of forces have been deployed in sensitive areas with over 45 senior police officers overseeing the security arrangements. Local leaders are also facilitating inter-community dialogue in a bid to restore harmony.
So far, 12 people, including the prime accused, have been arrested following raids at various places in Odisha and outside the state.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and a job for one of the family members of the deceased and ordered strict action against the culprits. The CM also announced that the state government will also cover the educational expenses of Parida’s three-year-old son.
