BHUBANESWAR: Internet services were suspended for 24 hours in Bhadrak town, Tihidi, and Dhamnagar blocks of Odisha’s Bhadrak district from 6am Thursday, a day after a youth who was injured in a communal clash on May 30 succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased, Santosh Parida, a resident of Tihidi, had been undergoing treatment since he was critically injured in a violent altercation between two communities last week. He passed away on Wednesday, prompting authorities to impose the internet clampdown as a precautionary measure to prevent flare-ups.
Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a compensation package for Parida’s family, which includes Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia and employment assistance to one family member. “We stand with the bereaved family and are taking all necessary steps to ensure peace prevails,” the CM said in a statement.
Twelve people have been arrested so far in connection with the May 30 incident. Bhadrak SP Manoj Rout said efforts are on to nab the remaining accused. “The situation is completely under control. The suspension of internet is a preventive step to avoid misinformation and further tension,” he added.
To maintain law and order, 27 platoons of police have been deployed across vulnerable areas. Local leaders are also facilitating inter-community dialogue in a bid to restore communal harmony.
A government spokesperson said the situation is being closely monitored and urged the public to exercise restraint. “We appeal to all to cooperate with authorities and help maintain peace,” the official said.
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Ashok Pradhan is currently chief of bureau The Times of India in ...
Read MoreAshok Pradhan is currently chief of bureau The Times of India in Bhubaneswar. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal (1999-2000).
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