Bhubaneswar: The State Government has imposed a 48-hour Internet shutdown in the Bhadrak district following violent clashes between two groups over social media posts.
In a notification, Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary Home today said, “In order to prevent the spread of inflammatory and motivated messages in the media to disturb the public order in Bhadrak district and restore peace and amity, the Home Department hereby extends the prohibition of the use and access of Social Media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X and any other through the Internet and other media of data services for 48 hours up to 2 AM of September 30, 2024 in Bhadrak district.”
According to the Home Department’s order, access to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other online services provided by all mobile service providers, mobile internet, and data services have been restricted to prevent the further spread of inflammatory messages and to maintain peace and harmony.
On Friday, the Bhadrak District Administration invoked Section 163 under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita in the Puruna Bazaar and Dhamnagar areas to maintain law and order in the town.
The Bhadrak District Administration deployed at least 14 platoons of forces in the violence-hit Puruna Bazaar and Dhamnagar NAC area, which has been the epicenter of the communal tension in the district. The police have arrested one person in connection with the incident. It was stated that the accused has shared some objectionable posts in social media.
Any congregation, gathering, meeting, or agitation is strictly prohibited in the affected area, and any violations will be dealt with severely. DIG (Eastern Range) Satyajit Nayak stated that the tension escalated due to a social media post, and the police conducted a flag march in the riot-affected areas.
Law Minister Prithivraj Harichandan warned that the State Government would take strict action against those spreading rumours on social media platforms, and no one involved will be spared.
The police have already registered an FIR, and the Cyber Crime Cell is investigating the source of the objectionable post. The district administration has intensified night patrolling and formed a peace committee, which includes leaders from both communities, urging them to maintain peace.
According to reports, the trouble began after a post on Facebook, leading a particular group to block roads in protest, demanding the arrest of the person behind the post.
A scuffle ensued between the group and the police, who were attempting to calm the situation. The situation worsened when stones were thrown at the police, injuring three officers. In response, the police resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the crowd.