Odisha DGP Visits Violence-Hit Bhadrak, Urges People To Ignore Social Media Posts

Bhadrak: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania on Tuesday visited Bhadrak and Dhamnagar to take stock of the situation in the wake of recent violence triggered by a Facebook post in the district.

The police chief, who was accompanied by senior officials including Bhadrak District Collector and SP, appealed to the people to stay away from social media and ignore rumours being circulated through these platforms.

After a thorough review of the situation, the DGP appealed to maintain law and order.
Stating that there is no need for the public to panic, Khurania said they should not unnecessarily respond to social media posts and make any comment.

Asserting that the police is taking all necessary steps to ensure public safety and security, the DGP said the situation is improving in the violence-affected areas.

After visiting Dhamnagar and nearby areas, the police chief reviewed the situation in Bhadrak.

Meanwhile, life is limping back to normal in Dhamnagar and Bhadrak areas. While internet services continued to be suspended in entire district till tonight, preventive measures under the Section 163 has been imposed in Bhadrak Town, Dhamnagar and Dobal. People have been advised to avoid congregations, rallies and meetings in these areas.

The administration has allowed supermarkets to open between 6.00 am and 8.00 pm. DIG (Eastern) Satyajit Naik said that after reviewing the prevailing situation, the authorities will take a decision on restoring Internet service.

While the situation has improved slightly, more people have been arrested in the district in connection with their involvement in the violence that rocked the district recently over a malicious Facebook post. So far, 27 people have been arrested from Bhadrak, 10 from Dhamnagar and 17 from Dhamnagar.