The Bhadrak district administration has imposed prohibitory orders in Bhadrak town following violent protests by a community over a controversial Facebook post related to their religious beliefs. The situation escalated on Friday, resulting in injuries to police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and a police sub-inspector, during stone-pelting incidents. Additionally, a vehicle belonging to the Bhadrak tehsildar was severely damaged.
In response to the unrest, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Monaj Patra issued an order banning gatherings, meetings, and protests in the area, emphasizing that any violations would be dealt with seriously. The prohibitory measures are effective indefinitely within the jurisdiction of the Purunabazar police station.
Reports indicate that over 600 individuals blocked the road at the Santhia bridge, connecting Kacheribazar and Purunabazar, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the Facebook post. When police attempted to detain the protesters, tensions flared, leading to a lathicharge and subsequent stone-throwing by demonstrators.
Bhadrak is recognized as a communally sensitive district, having experienced significant communal violence in April 2017 due to similar tensions. That incident resulted in widespread arson, damaging approximately 450 establishments and causing an estimated ₹9 crore in losses. The violence at that time led to the imposition of a curfew in the town for over a month, marking one of the longest curfews in the state’s history.
Sources by Agencies
