7 arrested in Bhadrak communal clashes, Rapid Action Force deployed to maintain peace

Bhadrak (Odisha) [India], September 29 (ANI): Seven people have been arrested in connection with the recent communal violence in Bhadrak, Odisha, said Satyajit Naik, DIG of the Eastern Range.

Naik, along with police personnel, conducted a flag march in the Puruna Bazar area on Sunday. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) is also carrying out area domination operations to maintain peace.

“We are conducting a flag march, and area domination will be performed by the RAF. The entire situation is under control. Section 144 has been imposed in this area, so we are doing the flag march to dominate the area. Seven persons have been arrested and taken to court,” the DIG said.

Naik also told ANI that two RAF companies have been deployed in Dhamnagar and Puruna Bazar.

The prime accused in the Bhadrak communal violence case was arrested earlier for posting an objectionable message on social media, which triggered violent clashes in the district. The accused is now in judicial custody.

Bhadrak Superintendent of Police (SP) Varun Guntupalli confirmed the development, stating, “The prime accused was presented before the SDJM Court in Bhadrak and is now in judicial custody.”

Speaking to ANI, Guntupalli added, “The situation is under control. Force has been deployed. The prime accused who posted objectionable posts on social media was arrested by police. In the case where there was an attack on the police, seven people have been arrested. An investigation is ongoing. We will assess the situation and then decide about the internet, which is suspended as of now.”

To control the situation, the Odisha government suspended internet services in Bhadrak for 48 hours. The order, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of the State Home Department, Staybrata Sahu, aims to prevent the spread of inflammatory messages on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X. The order stated, “Prohibition of the use and access of social media platforms has been extended for 48 hours up to 0200 hrs on September 30 in Bhadrak district.”

Following incidents of stone-pelting, DIG Naik stated that security measures were tightened and Section 163 of the BNSS was imposed to prohibit large gatherings in certain areas.

“An FIR has been registered, and the culprits have been identified. Strong legal action will be taken against them,” Naik stated.

DIG Naik added that ten platoons of security forces were deployed, and flag marches and patrols were being carried out to restore peace in the area.