Tensions erupted in Odishas Bhadrak district on Friday after an allegedly offensive social media post ignited violence, resulting in stone pelting and injuries to several police officers. In response to the unrest, the district administration has implemented prohibitory orders to maintain order.It is important to note that this incident marks the second time within a week that such measures have been enacted in Bhadrak. The earlier imposition of prohibitory orders followed a clash between two communities over a torn religious flag on September 19.To prevent the spread of inflammatory content, internet services across the district have been suspended for 48 hours, as announced by Odishas additional chief secretary of home affairs, Satyabrata Sahu.The Odisha government has suspended internet services in the Bhadrak district for 48 hours in view of violent communal incidents due to social media postings pic.twitter.com/eePD9Mtvu6— ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2024According to officials, a Facebook post that insulted a particular religion triggered protests in the Puruna Bazar Police Station area on Friday. These protests quickly escalated into violence, leading police to employ lathi charges to control the situation.In his order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bhadrak Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manoj Patra reported that at least two police officers, including a city Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), sustained injuries from stone-throwing during the unrest. A government vehicle was also reportedly damaged.With tensions still high, authorities have deployed seven police units and conducted a flag march to restore calm. As of now, no formal complaint (FIR) has been registered. “We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to bringing it under control. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for this chaos,” stated a senior police officer.What is the incident all aboutAccording to the reports, the disturbances began when a group of residents lodged a complaint regarding the offensive social media post, demanding action against the individual responsible. After the police reportedly failed to respond, around 50 individuals organized a protest rally. When the demonstrators reached Santhia, on the outskirts of Bhadrak, police intervened to prevent them from entering the town. #OdishaIslamist mob let out a rally, pelted stones, and raised STSJ slogans in #Bhadrak.This thing was never seen in #Odisha.But, as part of a bigger plan, Muslims are entering different parts of Eastern Indian states from areas where they are in the majority.Its… pic.twitter.com/5v1bZjbRkS— Hindu Voice (@HinduVoice_in) September 28, 2024In retaliation, the protesters set fire to tires and blocked the road. When police attempted to control the situation, they were met with stone-throwing, resulting in injuries to several officers. Protesters also vandalized the vehicle belonging to the Bhadrak tehsildar.
