Bhubaneswar, Sep 27: Tensions erupted in Odisha’s Bhadrak on Friday when locals clashed with police during a protest over an allegedly offensive social media post. The demonstration turned violent as protesters hurled stones at officers, injuring three personnel.
In response to the unrest, the Bhadrak district administration imposed prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, effectively banning gatherings, meetings, and demonstrations in the area around the Purunabazar police station for an indefinite period.
The situation escalated after a group of residents filed a complaint with police regarding the post, demanding action against the individual responsible. Frustrated by what they perceived as police inaction, about 50 people organized a rally that afternoon.
As the protesters approached Sathia, on the outskirts of town, police blocked their entry, sparking a heated argument. The situation quickly deteriorated into a scuffle.
Despite being outnumbered, officers attempted to disperse the crowd using lathi-charges, which only intensified the confrontation. In the ensuing chaos, demonstrators began throwing stones, resulting in serious injuries to three officers, including Bhadrak Town police station IIC Ajay Sudarshan and SI Rojen Murmu, both of whom suffered head injuries and were taken to a local hospital.
