Odisha: Indefinite Curfew Clamped, Internet Suspended For 2 Days In Balasore After 10 Injured In Communal Clash

Odisha: After a clash between two groups in Balasore, Internet services have been suspended, a curfew imposed, and seven FIRs filed. The incident left 10 injured and was sparked by protests over alleged animal slaughter.

More than 40 platoons of police personnel have been deployed in Balasore town, Odisha after a communal clash. ( Image Source :ANI )

In response to a clash between two groups in Balasore town, Odisha, the state government has taken stringent measures to restore peace and prevent further escalation. The incident, which left 10 people injured, occurred following protests over alleged animal slaughter, leading to heightened tensions in the area.

Balasore Superintendent of Police Sagarika Nath announced the suspension of internet services in the town for 48 hours and extended an indefinite curfew as part of efforts to maintain law and order, news agency PTI reported. Nath further informed that "Seven FIRs have been filed and 34 individuals detained on charges related to rioting since Monday."

#WATCH | Odisha: Balasore district administration imposes Section 144 of CrPC following a clash between two groups on June 17. pic.twitter.com/1ihVmC7O6U

— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2024

To ensure public safety, more than 40 platoons of police personnel have been deployed, with particular focus on sensitive areas. Entry and exit points to the town have been sealed off, and flag marches conducted to deter any further disturbances. Exceptions to the curfew will only be granted for essential purposes such as exams or medical emergencies, upon presentation of valid documentation, Nath clarified, as per PTI.

Communal Clash In Balasore's Bhujakhia Over Alleged Animal Sacrifice Remnants On Road

A dispute erupted in Balasore's Bhujakhia Pir area when one group staged a protest against alleged animal sacrifice remnants on the road, initiating a sit-in protest. According to police, the situation escalated when another group reportedly pelted stones at the protesters, leading to a clash, PTI reported.

Both factions engaged in stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to three individuals and damage to several motorcycles. To quell the unrest, police resorted to baton charges, subsequently imposing prohibitory orders to restore order, PTI reported. The injured have been admitted to Balasore district hospital for medical attention, as confirmed by officials.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi intervened promptly, instructing Balasore's collector to take immediate measures to restore calm. Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar is on-site overseeing operations.

The clash reportedly began in the Bhujakhia Pir area over grievances regarding animal sacrifice. "The decision to suspend internet services aims to prevent the spread of provocative messages that could exacerbate communal tensions," an official explained, as per PTI.

Leaders including Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, Balasore MLA Manas Dutta, and MP Pratap Sarangi have appealed for peace and cautioned against the spread of misinformation on social media. Dutta urged residents to ignore misleading posts and assured that the government is committed to restoring normalcy.

As of now, details on property damage and the extent of violence remain undisclosed. The injured have been admitted to Balasore district hospital for treatment, while strict prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC are in force to prevent any further unrest.