Curfew lifted in violence-hit Bhadrak town

Bhadrak: The district administration on Sunday lifted the curfew for four hours in violence-hit Bhadrak town of Odisha after it witnessed communal clash over alleged derogatory remarks on social media against Hindu deities.

The prohibitory orders were initially relaxed from 8 am to 11 am. However, it was extended until 12 noon facilitating people to purchase essential commodities.

The curfew will remain in force till 7 am on Monday.

People were seen on the streets buying groceries, vegetables and essential commodities from the shop between the hours.

The administration has kept vigil on the situation. Around 35 platoons of police forces have been deployed across the town to avoid any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, the crime branch started a probe into the alleged offensive remarks on Hindu deities on social media that led to unrest in the town.

“The crime branch probe has started into the alleged offensive remarks and rumors on social media. The crime branch cyber cell is investigating the Whatsapp data. The group admins have been asked for providing the data, informed Crime Branch Special DG BK Sharma.