Curfew Imposed In Odisha's Sambalpur Day After Violence During Hanuman Jayanti Procession

Day after violence hit Odisha's Sambalpur during the Hanuman Jayanti procession, the district administration has imposed a curfew in the area.

A curfew has been imposed in Odisha's Sambalpur after fresh reports of violence after Hanuman Jayanti arson on Friday came forth. As per the official order, a curfew has been imposed in Sambalpur town till further order to ensure peace and tranquillity in view of the current prevailing situation. The order reads that upon receiving the information about the current state of the city, the Sambalpur sub-collector has declared a curfew under section 144(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, stating that no individual or group is allowed to leave their homes in the jurisdictional areas of Town Police Station, Dhanupali Police Station, Khetrajpur Police Station, Ainthapali Police Station, Bareipali Police Station, and Sadar Police Station of Sambalpur with immediate effect until further orders.

However, it stated, individuals are allowed to procure essential items during the hours of 8 am to 10 am and 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm in case of emergencies. Besides this, a helpline for medical emergencies has also been set up at the district headquarters hospital, and citizens may contact the helpline at 7655800760.

The order mentioned that strict legal action would be taken against those who violate this order.

PTI reported that a curfew was imposed in Odisha's Sambalpur town earlier in the day after sporadic overnight violence and the death of a man under mysterious circumstances. The violence came after Friday evening's Hanuman Jayanti processions were held under tight security.

Earlier on Thursday, internet services were suspended and Section 144 was imposed in the Sambalpur district after violence erupted during a motorbike rally on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti Sobhayatra.

B Gangadhar, SP, Sambalpur had said that a case had been registered and 40 people have been detained till now. He added that three police officials have got injured.

"Today a flag march will be conducted in the area. Patrolling will be done and a meeting will be also conducted to maintain law & order in the area. Force has been deployed in the area," he had said.