Seven Arrested Amid Communal Violence in Odisha's Bhadrak

Seven individuals have been arrested following communal violence in Bhadrak, Odisha. The authorities conducted flag marches and area domination operations, imposing Section 144. The prime accused, involved in triggering the violence through social media, is in judicial custody. Internet services have been suspended to prevent the spread of inflammatory messages.

Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with recent communal violence in Bhadrak, Odisha, according to Satyajit Naik, DIG of the Eastern Range. Naik, accompanied by police personnel, led a flag march in the Puruna Bazar area on Sunday, while the Rapid Action Force (RAF) also carried 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,' said Naik. Two RAF companies have been deployed in Dhamnagar and Puruna Bazar, added Naik, in a statement to ANI.

The prime accused in the Bhadrak communal violence case had earlier been arrested for posting an objectionable message on social media, which triggered violent clashes in the district. The accused is now in judicial custody, confirmed Bhadrak Superintendent of Police (SP) Varun Guntupalli. 'The prime accused was presented before the SDJM Court in Bhadrak and is now in judicial custody,' stated Guntupalli.

Speaking to ANI, Guntupalli further 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 including WhatsApp, Facebook, and X. '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,' stated the order.

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 added.

DIG Naik further mentioned that ten platoons of security forces were deployed, and flag marches and patrols were being conducted to restore peace in the area. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)