Odisha imposes 48-hour internet shutdown in Bhadrak after communal clashes

Communal clashes erupted in Odisha's Bhadrak after a protest against a social media post turned violent. Five policemen suffered injured and a 48-hour internet shutdown was imposed in the district.

In Short

• Tensions in Odisha's Bhadrak over controversial social media post
• 5 cops injured in clashes between 2 groups on Friday
• One person detained in connection with Friday's violence

The Odisha government suspended internet for 48 hours in Bhadrak district after a rally protesting against a controversial social media post turned violent and left five policemen injured. One person was also detained in connection with the violence on Friday.

Trouble started over a Facebook post shared by a man that triggered widespread resentment in the area. In response, a group of protesters staged a rally and blocked roads, burning tyres and demanding the man's arrest.

When police arrived at the spot and objected to the rally, tensions escalated as stones were thrown at them and clashes erupted between two groups over the social media post.

As the situation turned volatile, the police resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the protesters. During the clashes, five policemen, including Bhadrak DSP and Bhadrak Town Police Station Sub-Inspector suffered injuries.

The vehicle of Bhadrak tehsildar was also heavily damaged during the unrest. Following the clashes, prohibitory orders were issued in the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

"One person has been detained by the police after he allegedly assaulted police personnel. One boy shared a video on Facebook which led to tensions in Bhadrak. After that, some people staged a protest and demanded the arrest of the person who shared the post. He deleted the post following complaints," a police inspector said.

"Protesters closed the road and were prepared to get into a tussle with the public. Four to five police personnel were injured in this incident. The administration imposed Section 163 of BNSS and police started a flag march in the locality," the official added.

Under Section 163 of BNSS, the government has the power to issue an order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger.