Sec 144 Imposed In Odisha's Balasore: How A Rumour Triggered Communal Clashes

A curfew was enforced in Balasore, a coastal town in Odisha, on Tuesday following clashes between two groups. The district administration has also implemented an internet shutdown in sensitive areas, urging residents to remain indoors.

The clashes started from suspicions of cow slaughter during a religious observance within a minority community. Balasore SP Sagarika Nath told The Times of India: "Curfew has been clamped in Balasore municipality area. All commercial establishments and shops to remain closed."

"Adequate police arrangements in the sensitive areas have been made and the situation is getting under control though some sporadic violence was reported in some places yesterday," a senior police officern claimed.

How it all started?

Some people spread rumours of cows being slaughtered as part of Bakri-Eid customs, causing a nearby drain to turn red with blood, according to a report in The Hindu.

Bakri-Eid, also known as Id-ul-Adha, is a Muslim festival that honors the spirit of sacrifice and traditionally involves the slaughter of goats was celebrated on Monday.

The friction ignited when protesters gathered in the Bhujakhia Pir area, decrying the presence of animal blood on the streets. Allegedly, counter-protesters incited violence, hurling stones at demonstrators, igniting a volatile clash.

The situation worsened as night fell, with one community targeting the homes of another in Golapokhari, Motiganj, and Cinema Chhak areas, as reported by The Times of India.

In response, newly-elected Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi intervened, directing Balasore collector Ashish Thakare to restore order promptly. Majhi affirmed his commitment to upholding the state's law and order, vowing zero tolerance for disruptions.