Odisha Communal Violence: Internet services have been suspended in Odisha's Bhadrak district following communal incidents in the area due to social media postings. The Odisha government order said the district administration has expressed concern over the misuse of the internet to spread communal violence. Eastern Range Deputy Inspector General Satyajit Naik on Friday said following incidents of stone-pelting, Section 163 of the BNSS has been imposed, which prohibits gathering of more than five people in one area. "We have imposed Section 163 of the BNSS in the Purna Bazar area to control the situation and maintain peace in the area," he said. Several policemen were injured in the incident.

Those involved in the violence have been identified.

Eastern Range DIG Satyajit Naik said that the situation is under control and those allegedly involved in the incident have been identified. An FIR has been registered and the culprits have been identified. Strict legal action will be taken against the culprits. Ten platoons of security forces were deployed on Friday night to patrol the areas and cordon off the area. We have deployed 10 platoons of security forces who are conducting flag marches in the area. The area is also being cordoned off. Along with this, picketing, patrolling, and other activities are also being carried out by the police.

The Odisha government has suspended internet services in the district for 48 hours till September 30. The order passed by the state's Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Stebrata Sahu said that access to the social media platforms has been blocked to maintain peace in the area and to prevent the spread of inflammatory and motivated messages being circulated in the above-mentioned media that may disturb public order and to restore peace and harmony in Bhadrak district. The order said that the ban on the use and access to social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other means of internet and data services has been extended for another 48 hours till 2 pm on September 30 in the Bhadrak district.