Bhadrak: Internet services were suspended for 24 hours across five areas – Bhadrak Municipality, Bhadrak Block, Dhamnagar NAC, Dhamnagar Block, and Tihidi Block – in Odisha’s Bhadrak district, starting 6 am on Thursday.
The shutdown was enforced as a precautionary measure to prevent flare-ups after a youth, who was injured in a communal clash on May 30, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.
The deceased, Santosh Parida (46) of Kasati village under Tihidi block, had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for past two weeks after being allegedly attacked by a group involved in illegal cattle trafficking. He succumbed to his injuries around 2 pm.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a compensation package for Parida’s family, which includes Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia and employment assistance to one family member. “We stand with the bereaved family and are taking all necessary steps to ensure peace prevails,” the CM said in a statement.
Twelve people, including the mastermind, have been arrested in connection with the clash, Bhadrak SP Manoj Rout informed, adding that the situation is under control and the internet suspension aims to prevent spread of misinformation.
He also sought cooperation from people to maintain peace in the localities.
Twenty-seven police platoons have been deployed in sensitive areas, and local leaders are also facilitating inter-community dialogue to restore harmony.
