Bhadrak, June 12: In response to escalating communal tensions in Bhadrak district, the administration has imposed a 24-hour suspension of internet services as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain law and order.
The internet shutdown began at 6 am, today and will remain in effect until 6 am tomorrow. The affected areas include Bhadrak municipality, Bhadrak block, Tihidi, Dhamnagar block, and Dhamnagar municipality.
To ensure peace in these sensitive zones, 27 platoons of police forces have been deployed. Bhadrak Superintendent of Police, Manoj Rout, is personally overseeing the situation, with constant monitoring by the district administration.
The clampdown follows the tragic death of a youth, Santosh Parida, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an attack by suspected cattle smugglers. He died yesterday at 2 pm after battling for 13 days in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. The incident had taken place in the Thihidi police station area of Bhadrak.
Following a complaint filed by Parida's wife, Minati Behera, Tihidi police have arrested 12 individuals so far, including the two primary suspects. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused.
In a gesture of support for the grieving family, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh.
With tensions still high, authorities are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement to restore peace in the region.
