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.
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.
