32 arrested for violence in Odisha's Sambalpur
A day after violence erupted during a bike rally in Sambalpur, security was beefed up across six sensitive districts in Odisha, with additional police forces mobilized ahead of Friday's Hanuman Jayanti processions.
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Sambalpur: A day after violence erupted during a bike rally in Sambalpur, security was beefed up across six sensitive districts in Odisha, with additional police forces mobilized ahead of Friday's Hanuman Jayanti processions.
New batches of security forces have been deployed in Bhadrak, Balasore, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Nabarangpur, and Koraput's Jeypore, according to sources, to ensure the peaceful passage of Hanuman Jayanti processions. "All SPs as well as the DCPs of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have been directed to remain extremely alert on issues related to communal harmony," said R K Sharma, Additional Director General (Law and Order), adding that the situation in Sambalpur is under control.
Cybercrime police stations have been instructed to monitor social media platforms and take action against those who spread hate messages.
"So far, 32 people have been arrested in connection with the violence." To maintain law and order, 42 platoons of police officers have been deployed in the town. Aside from that, 20 patrolling parties are on high alert. We met with the two groups, and they agreed to extend their cooperation. "Today's Hanuman Jayanti procession will be peaceful," Sambalpur SP Battula Gangadhar told the media.
He went on to say that police had identified 25 more people involved in the violence based on video evidence, and that they would be apprehended soon.
Following the Wednesday evening clash, prohibitory orders were issued in Sambalpur town under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and internet services were suspended in the entire district for 48 hours beginning Thursday. To instill confidence among the people, security forces conducted a flag march in Sambalpur town during the day and foot patrolling last evening. According to sources, a massive procession will leave Brukspal Hanuman temple in the evening.
Similarly, prohibitory orders have been imposed in Koraput sub-division between 3 p.m. and 9 a.m. until April 24. Unauthorized rallying and procession are prohibited in the Jeypore sub-division until April 20.
