Bhubaneswar, June 12: In the wake of tensions following a recent clash between two groups, the Bhadrak district administration has imposed a 24-hour suspension on social media usage and internet services in select areas to curb misinformation and maintain public order, said Dr. Satyajit Naik, DIG, Eastern Range, Balasore.
The ban, effective from 6:00 AM on June 12 to 6:00 AM on June 13, 2025, restricts access to platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and other data services in the following areas: Bhadrak Municipality, Bhadrak Block, Tihidi Block, Dhamnagar Block, and Dhamnagar NAC.
This move has been enforced under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with Rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
The administration is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures to maintain peace and communal harmony. Dr. Naik has appealed to the public to maintain calm, exercise restraint, and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
The unrest stems from a May 30 incident under the jurisdiction of Tihidi Police Station, where a youth named Santosh Parida was critically injured in an alleged attack by suspected cattle smugglers. After battling for his life for 13 days in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, Parida succumbed to his injuries on June 11 at 2 PM.
Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s wife, Minati Behera, police have arrested 12 individuals, including the prime suspects. Further investigations are underway to apprehend others involved.
To maintain law and order, the administration has deployed 27 platoons of police, with additional support for processions and mobile patrolling. Six Executive Magistrates have been assigned to oversee the police operations. Videography of all activities is being carried out by the Inspector, DCRB Bhadrak, and fire and ambulance services have been kept on standby for emergencies.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh.
With tensions still simmering, authorities urge the public to remain peaceful and support efforts to restore normalcy in the district.
