Even as the night curfew continues to be in force in communal riot-hit Bhadrak town, learning from its experience, the State Government on Wednesday banned internet services for 48 hours in Kendrapada district after tension was triggered by an inflammatory video on the social media targeting a particular community.
Kendrapada Collector Muralidhar Mallick had informed the Home Department about the incident and the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) promptly asked the district administration to block the internet to prevent any further flare-up. The internet ban came into effect from 3 pm on the day.
Mallick said the administration had asked the Cyber Cell of the Crime Branch police to investigate the contents and the origin of the social media posting. The situation is peaceful in Kendrapara town with normal life going on as usual, he said.
“The recent violence in Bhardak, however, has prompted us to go for the internet blackout as there is every possibility of rumours and mischief mongers taking to the social media to breach peace in the area,” he added.
Members of the other particular community demanded that action be taken against those who posted the video and the others who shared it like it was done in the Bhadrak case.
Meanwhile, police forces have been deployed in Kendrapada town to prevent any untoward incidents. Sources said five platoons of police force were deployed in the area.