Internet services suspended in Sambalpur for 48 hours

Sambalpur: In the aftermath of violence during Hanuman Jayanti motorcycle rally here, internet services have been suspended in Odisha’s Sambalpur district for 48 hours to curb circulation of inflammatory messages, a notification issued by the State Government said today.

The suspension of internet services became effective from 10 AM.

“The situation is critical and miscreants are circulating false and inflammatory messages through social media to disturb the public order in Sambalpur District. Messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other such media have the potential to inflame communal passions thereby leading to acts causing disturbance of public order in Sambalpur District,” the notification said.

On the other hand, police have detained more than 25 persons for questioning in connection with the violent acts in the town.

Notably, the motorcycle rally was taken out yesterday ahead of Hanuman Jayanti on April 14. While the rally was passing through Motijharan Square, some persons pelted stones at the participants of the rally.

The incident subsequently led to a clash between two groups. Many shops and vehicles were set on fire during the clash.

While trying to take the situation under control, at least 10 police personnel sustained injuries.

The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC at various places in the town to avoid any further untoward incident.