Odisha: Police arrests prime accused in Bhadrak communal incident

Bhadrak (Odisha) [India], September 28 (ANI): Odisha police have arrested the prime accused responsible for “objectionable” social media post that led to violent communal incidents in Bhadrak district, an official said.

“The situation is under control… Force has been deployed. Prime accused who posted objectionable posts on social media was arrested by police. In the case where there was an attack on the police, 7 people have been arrested. An investigation is on…We will do the assessment and then will decide about the internet which is suspended as of now,” SP Bhadrak, Varun Guntupalli told ANI.

SP Bhadrak Guntupalli added that the Prime accused was presented before the SDJM Court, Bhadrak and now is in Judicial custody.

Earlier, in response to violent communal incidents in Bhadrak, heavy security was deployed and Section 163 of the BNSS was imposed.

Additionally, the Odisha government suspended internet services in the district for 48 hours to prevent further unrest.

The internet suspension order passed by Additional Chief Secretary of State Home Department, Staybrata Sahu said that access to social media platforms has been blocked to maintain peace in the region.

“In order to prevent spread of inflammatory and motivated messages to circulate in the above-mentioned media to disturb the public order in Bhadrak district and restore peace and amity. Prohibition of the use and access of social media platforms have been extended like Whatsapp, Facebook, X and any other through internet and other mediums of data services indicated for 48 hours upto 0200 hrs of September 30 in Bhadrak district,” the order added.

Deputy Inspector General, Eastern Range, Satyajit Naik on Friday said that following incidents of stone pelting, Section 163 of BNSS has been promulgated, prohibiting assembly of more than five people in an area.”We have promulgated Section 163 of BNSS in the Purna Bazar area to control the situation and maintain peace in the area,” he said.

Multiple police personnel have been injured in the incident.

DIG Eastern Range, Satyajit Naik said the situation is under control and the people allegedly involved in the incident have been identified, “FIR has been registered and culprits have been identified. Strong legal action will be taken against the culprits.”

Ten platoons of security forces were deployed on Friday night to patrol the areas and conduct area dominance.

“We have deployed 10 platoons of forces who are carrying out flag marches in the area. Area domination is also being conducted. Along with that, picketing, patrolling, and other activities to maintain is being conducted by the police,” Naik said.