Bhadrak communal clashes: 407 accused arrested so far, Rapid Action Force deployed, says police
Sep 29, 2024
Bhadrak (Odisha) [India], September 29 : As many as 407 accused people have been arrested in connection with the recent communal violence in Bhadrak, Odisha, an official said on Sunday.
DIG of the Eastern Range, Odisha, Satyajit Naik, along with several other police personnel, conducted a flag march in the Puruna Bazar area today.
He said that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed in the region to maintain peace.
"We are conducting a flag march, and area domination will be performed by the RAF. The entire situation is under control. Section 144 has been imposed in this area, so we are doing the flag march to dominate the area. We have already arrested 407 accused persons," the DIG told ANI.
Naik also siad that two RAF companies have been deployed in Dhamnagar and Puruna Bazar.
The prime accused in the Bhadrak communal violence case was arrested earlier for posting an objectionable message on social media, which triggered violent clashes in the district. The accused is now in judicial custody.
Bhadrak Superintendent of Police (SP) Varun Guntupalli confirmed the development, stating, "The prime accused was presented before the SDJM Court in Bhadrak and is now in judicial custody."
Speaking to ANI, Guntupalli added, "The situation is under control. Force has been deployed. The prime accused who posted objectionable posts on social media was arrested by police. In the case where there was an attack on the police, seven people have been arrested. An investigation is ongoing. We will assess the situation and then decide about the internet, which is suspended as of now."
To control the situation, the Odisha government suspended internet services in Bhadrak for 48 hours. The order, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of the State Home Department, Staybrata Sahu, aims to prevent the spread of inflammatory messages on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X.
The order stated, "Prohibition of the use and access of social media platforms has been extended for 48 hours up to 0200 hrs on September 30 in Bhadrak district."
