Bhubaneswar: On Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Odisha Police DG YB Khurania visited Bhadrak and Dhamnagar to assess the situation following recent communal tensions in the area. He was accompanied by senior officials, including the Bhadrak District Collector and the Superintendent of Police. After his visit to Dhamnagar, he held a review meeting in Bhadrak. Following the assessment, the DGP urged the public to avoid spreading false propaganda and rumors on social media. To date, eight cases have been registered, and a total of 33 people have been arrested in Bhadrak and Dhamnagar.
“Common people need not be afraid. The police are taking responsibility, and the situation will surely improve,” he stated. He advised citizens to avoid engaging with rumors circulating on social media and to refrain from making unwarranted comments.
The DGP reported, “The situation is nearly normalized, with regular patrolling by police and the Rapid Action Force ongoing. We anticipate that normalcy will return within the next two to three days.” He emphasized the increasing number of posts appearing on social media, saying, “Whenever individuals encounter any objectionable content, they should inform the local police. People should not be agitated by such social media posts, as misinformation is being spread.”
Life is gradually returning to normal in the Dhamnagar and Bhadrak areas. However, internet services remain suspended throughout the entire Bhadrak district. Preventive measures under Section 163 have been enacted in Bhadrak Town, Dhamnagar, and Dobal, with residents advised to refrain from gatherings, rallies, and meetings in these locations.
Markets are allowed to operate from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. DIG (Eastern) Satyajit Naik indicated that a decision regarding the restoration of internet services will be made after assessing the current situation.
On September 27th, three senior police officials were seriously injured during an attack by a violent Muslim mob in Bhadrak, which was triggered by a controversial social media post. A large group of angry individuals assaulted administrative officials and police in the Nangamahal area, near the Purana Bazar police station. The mob, consisting of hundreds of people, confronted the police, vandalised the Tehsildar’s vehicle, and threw stones at the officers. As a result of this assault, three police personnel sustained serious injuries.
ASI Rozen Murmu suffered a severe head injury and was admitted to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital. City DSP Anshuman Dwivedi sustained a serious leg injury during the attack. In response, police were forced to conduct a mild lathi charge to disperse the protesters. Following the incident, Section 163 under BNSS was imposed in the area.
