Odisha DGP warns action against those involved in Sambalpur violence

Bhubaneswar: Amid curfew clamped in Sambalpur town in view of tension gripped the area during Hanuman Jayanti yesterday, Odisha DGP Sunil Kumar Bansal warned to take action against those involved in the violence.

Addressing media persons here today, he said that the situation in Sambalpur was peaceful despite some untoward incidents occurred in the town on Friday night.

“There were some unpleasant incidents took place at some places in Sambalpur yesterday night for which we have sent some extra police forces to ensure peace and tranquility. The senior officials are reviewing the situation and currently the overall situation is under control. However, necessary action will be taken against those people who had either provoked or involved in the violence,” the DGP said.

The curfew in Sambalpur town is in force with immediate effect for an indefinite period following violence. Sources said that some shops were torched ransacked last night following which the district administration decided to declare curfew in the region.

Meanwhile, the Home Department of Odisha Government has extended the suspension of internet services by two more days to prevent further spread of inflammatory messages.

Earlier, section 144 had been imposed in the western Odisha town after the violence broke out between two groups during Hanuman Jayanti procession on April 12. At least 10 police personnel and several residents were severely injured in the clash.