BHADRAK: Three senior police officials were seriously injured when a violent Muslim mob attacked police personnel in Bhadrak district on Friday, September 27 triggered by a controversial social media post.
In the evening, a large group of angry Muslims attacked administrative officials and police in the Nangamahal area, near the Purana Bazar police station. The mob, consisting of hundreds of individuals, confronted the police, vandalized the Tehsildar’s vehicle, and hurled stones at the officers. As a result of this assault, three police personnel sustained serious injuries.
The vehicle of the Bhadrak Tehsildar was also severely damaged.
The injured officials have been identified as Bhadrak Town SI Rozen Murmu, IIC Ajay Sudarshan Bage, and City DSP Anshuman Dwivedi. Murmu has been hospitalised with serious head injuries.
A group of Muslims near Senthiya in the Nangamahala area blocked the road by burning tires. When police attempted to calm the situation, tensions escalated, leading to stone-throwing. ASI Murmu sustained a severe head injury and is currently in critical condition at Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital. City DSP Anshuman Dwivedi also suffered a serious leg injury during the attack.
In response, police had to conduct a mild lathi charge to disperse the protesters. To maintain order, 10 platoons of police were deployed to the area, and a flag march was held.
Following the incident, Section 163 under BNSS was imposed in the area. The district administration ordered that all gatherings, meetings, and protests are strictly prohibited, with serious consequences for any violations.
“Considering the urgent nature of the situation and to prevent severe communal tension between the two communities, I, Sri Monaj Patra, OAS (S) SDM, Bhadrak, hereby promulgate a proceeding U/S 163 BNSS for an indefinite period until further notice,” stated the order issued by the SDM, Bhadrak.
“The IIC Purunabazar PS is directed to announce this order immediately within the jurisdiction of the police station. The Tahasildar of Bhadrak is appointed as Executive Magistrate and is to take necessary and stringent action by mobilizing police forces to disperse the violent mob,” the order further stated.
Although the situation is under control now, the administration has urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, SP Barun Guntupali stated that the police are making special efforts to apprehend the individual responsible for the controversial post.
