48-Hour Internet Shutdown in Odisha’s Bhadrak

Communal clashes erupted in the area…


On Saturday, 28 September 2024, the Odisha government suspended internet for 48 hours in the Bhadrak district after a rally protesting against a controversial social media post turned violent.

Five policemen got injured. One person was also detained in connection with the violence.

The problem started over a Facebook post shared by a man that triggered widespread resentment here. In response, protesters staged a rally and blocked roads, burning tyres and demanding the man's arrest.

When police arrived at the spot and objected to the rally, tensions increased as stones were thrown at them and clashes erupted between two groups over the social media post.

As the situation turned volatile, the police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the protesters.

During the clashes, five policemen, including Bhadrak DSP and Bhadrak Town Police Station Sub-Inspector got injured.

The vehicle of Bhadrak tehsildar was also heavily damaged during the protest. Following the clashes, prohibitor orders were issued in the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

"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 protested and demanded the arrest of the person who shared the post. He deleted the post following complaints," a police inspector said.

Edited By: Tanvi Walia

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