Bhadrak: Following a recent clash over a border dispute between residents of two villages from the Keonjhar side and the Bhadrak side, the district administration here imposed Section 144 of the CrPC today at Apanda Chhak by considering the Square as a buffer zone.

The administrative measure was taken to avert any untoward law and order situation as well as to bring the palpable tension prevalent in the area under control, a source said.

It has come to the notice based on a report submitted by the IIC, Bonth PS vide DR No-576/PS, Date-16-04.2023 that there is a severe law and order situation occurred owing to the boundary dispute between Bhadrak-Keonjhar fringe villages at Apanda Chhak (Orali Chhak) in the district. In the wake of the disturbances, some vehicles and seven to eight business establishments were burnt to ashes. A number of people were also injured in the group clash, an order issued in this regard by Bhadrak Sub-Collector and Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) Manoj Patra mentioned.

“As a matter of fact, there is every possibility of a law and order situation resulting in bloodshed, riot, murder, arson and loss of life and property of the general public on the spot which cannot be prevented unless and until a prohibition order is passed,” the prohibitory order read.

Bhadrak police have kept a strict vigil on the situation, a senior official expressed.