In the wake of recent communal violence in Bhadrak, Odisha, police have arrested seven individuals, including the person responsible for posting a controversial message on Facebook, which sparked the unrest. The situation, which began on Friday, escalated quickly as clashes broke out between two groups, leading to stone-pelting incidents and injuries to five police officers, including senior officials. The violence prompted a heavy security response, with DIG Satyajit Naik confirming the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to maintain order.
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STJ Slogans, Arson, Riots in Bhadrak, Odisha after Cult got angry over a random FB Post. One city a day – That's the Riots target for these peoplepic.twitter.com/I0NspScXKJ pic.twitter.com/z9a1K1dmbW
— Mihir Jha (@MihirkJha) September 28, 2024
Tensions in the district were triggered by an objectionable social media post, leading to protests and road blockades in Puruna Bazar and Dhamnagar. Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the individual responsible for the post. As the protests intensified, security forces had to intervene, but this resulted in violent confrontations. Following the clashes, the Odisha government imposed a 48-hour internet shutdown to prevent the spread of inflammatory content that could further incite violence. This ban remains in place until 2 a.m. on September 30, 2024, and applies to all major social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
Additionally, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was imposed, prohibiting large gatherings in the district to avoid further unrest. Ten platoons of police forces have been deployed in the region, with flag marches conducted to assert dominance and restore calm. The arrested individuals, including the prime accused, are now in judicial custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement in the violence.
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As authorities work to stabilize the situation, local leaders are engaging in discussions with peace committees to prevent further escalation. The communal tensions in Bhadrak serve as a stark reminder of how quickly digital platforms can spark real-world consequences, prompting stringent actions to ensure peace in sensitive areas.
