Curfew in Balasore Following Violent Group Clash, 34 Detained, Internet Suspended in Sensitive Areas

Balasore: Curfew was imposed in the Balasore Municipality area following a violent group clash in which at least five persons were injured. According to reports at least 34 persons have been detained by the police on charges of instigating violence.

The Balasore district administration has clamped curfew in the entire Balasore Municipality area for an indefinite period to bring the volatile situation under control. Police have appealed to people not to come out of their houses.

The administration has put restrictions on internet services in the sensitive areas of Balasore town to prevent escalation of tension.

This violence sparked off on Monday (June 17) when some persons objected to the water flowing in the drain near the Pir Bazar area turning red. Some people staged a protest and blocked the Chandipur-Balasore main road. This escalated the tension in the area and two groups started pelting stones at each other. A clash broke out near the Bhujakhia Pir square iN Balasore town. At least five persons including some police personnel were injured in this clash. Around 15-20 vehicles parked in the area were also damaged.

To stop spread of violence, the Balasore district administration initially imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 in the area from Pir Bazar to Patrapada. Later on the administration decided to clam curfew in Balasore town.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi spoke with the Balasore Collector and the SP and asked them to bring the situation under control.