Odisha: Internet Services Restored In Violence-Hit Bhadrak After 4 Days

Bhubaneswar: Internet services were restored in violence-hit Bhadrak district on Wednesday, a day after Odisha DGP Y B Khurania urged people not to get influenced by social media posts.

After relaxing Section 163 of BNS in various areas, the district authorities restored the internet services from midnight.

Prohibitory order was imposed in Bhadrak and Dhamnagar town and internet services were suspended for 48 hours on September 27 following a violent protest in Purunabazar area over an “objectionable” social media post that allegedly hurt religious sentiments of a particular community. The police administration extended it by another 48 hours to avoid any flare-ups as the town limped back to normalcy.

Shops and supermarkets have been allowed to operate between 6am and 9 pm. Though traffic movement has resumed, public gatherings and rallies are still prohibited.

So far, 27 people (10 in Bhadrak and 17 in Dhamnagar) have been arrested for their alleged involvement in instigating the violence in the district.

During his visit to Bhadrak on Tuesday to assess the situation, the DGP claimed that complete normalcy will be restored in the district within a day or two. “The police are handling the situation, and it will surely improve. However, I urge everyone to avoid spreading or reacting to rumours on social media,” he said.

Twelve platoons (1 platoon comprise 30 personnel) of force were deployed along with one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) in Bhadrak town and 6 platoons of force and 1 company of RAF at Dhamnagar. Police had also been conducting regular flag marches in the areas to build confidence among the people.