Communal Tension in Bhadrak Over Social Media Post; Interner Suspended, 9 Detained

Bhadrak: Following the eruption of communal tension, the Bhadrak district administration on Saturday imposed a complete shutdown on internet services for 48 hours.

Communal tension was sparked in the district over an ‘objectionable’ social media post on Friday.

“Messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X and other such media have the potential to inflame communal tension thereby leading to acts causing disturbance of public order in Bhadrak district. Therefore, in order to prevent the spread of such inflammatory and motivated messages to circulate in the above mentioned media to disturb the public order in whole Bhadrak district and restore peace and amity, I Shri Satyabrata Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Govt, Home Department do hereby extend prohibition of the use and access of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X and any other through internet and other medium of data services,” read the official letter of the administration.

According to reports, nine persons have been detained by the police in connection with the recent communal tension. Restrictions under Section 163 under BNSS have been imposed in Dhamanagar NAC and other nearby areas.

At least 10 platoons of police forces have been deployed in Puruna Bazar area. Another four platoons of police force are on vigil in Dhamnagar NAC and Dobal village, it was learnt.

According to police sources, at least three police officials including Bhadrak Town SI, IIC and City DSP were injured when miscreants pelted stones on them. The vehicle of Bhadrak Tehsildar has also been damaged in the clashes.

The communal clashes were triggered by a Facebook post. A group took out a rally and blocked the road by burning tyres demanding immediate arrest of the person who had uploaded the post. The police personnel trying to pacify them sufefrred stone pelting. Police had to resort to lathi charge to disperse the unruly protestors.