The curfew which was enforced in Bhadrak town from Sunday afternoon till7 am on Monday was relaxed for four hours and later extended by two more hours as the situation continued limping back normal.
There were no fresh reports of any untoward incident from any part of the town or its adjacent areas.
The residents trooped to the markets in huge numbers to purchase milk, vegetables and other essential commodities as paramilitary and police personnel kept vigil. Banks and offices were partially open.
However, people could not withdraw their money or carry out transactions in the bank as there were no internet services in the town. Educational institutions remained closed. The district administration said the educational institutions would reopen on Tuesday.
Home Secretary Asit Tripathy, who is camping in Bhadrak, said the town has been divided into five sectors and a three-layer security is being provided by the police and Central forces. The ban on social media on Sunday for 48 hours might be extended if required. Essential goods were procured from outside and an eye was kept on the prices. The situation is returning to normal.
DGP KB Singh, who is also camping in the town and personally supervising the security arrangements, said 80 people have been rounded up and forwarded to court. Some lethal weapons like swords and choppers were seized. One person was caught red-handed while looting and consumer appliances were seized from him.
There was one incident of miscreants setting fire to a shop, but Fire Brigade personnel rushed to the spot and doused the flames. The overall situation was normal in the town. People were going to their offices, and the markets were bustling with activities, said Singh.
Many residents are virtually in tears for losing their livelihoods. Health services continued to be in a shambles without transport facilities. The patients who were being referred to other hospitals for advance treatment were the worst sufferers.