Hanuman Jayanti Rally Clash: Internet services suspended for 48 hours in Sambalpur
The Odisha government has shut down internet service in Sambalpur district for 48 hours from 10 am on Thursday in view of tension during a Hanuman Jayanti rally the previous evening.
On Wednesday, during a bike rally was taken out from Dhanupali police station square but when it was passing through Motijharan Square, some miscreants pelted stones at the rally. This led to a violent clash between the two groups.
“The situation is critical and miscreants are circulating false and inflammatory messages through social media to disturb public order in Sambalpur district,” the notification issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, DK Singh, prohibiting internet use and access in Sambalpur, said.
The internet is suspended to prevent circulation of “inflammatory and motivated messages”, which have the “potential to inflame communal passion”. No access to social media…WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & …. Suspension of internet/data services of all MSPs & ISPs and Broadband dial up system, it added.
Besides, incidents of arson and vandalism were reported from the spot. A shop was set on fire and a number of vehicles parked along the road were damaged.
In the incident, at least 10 police personnel including the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Sambalpur and the IIC of Dhanupali Police Station suffered injuries while trying to control the mob.
Meanwhile, police has detained more than 25 people have been detained and they are being questioned in connection with the incident.
The motorbike rally, which is held two days before Hanuman Jayanti, has been taking the same route for lat 17 years, Sambalpur SP Batulla Gangadhar. The festival is celebrated on Maha Vishuva Sankranti, which falls on April 14 this year.
