Violence in Odisha town during Hanuman Jayanti rally; internet snapped

The Odisha government on Thursday shut down internet services in Sambalpur district in western Odisha for 48 hours after violence erupted during a motorbike rally in Sambalpur district to mark Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.

Following the incident, Section 144 was also imposed in all six police station areas - Town, Dhanupali, Khetrajpur, Ainthapali, Bareipali and Sadar- of the Sambalpur district.

''Internet services suspended, Section 144 imposed in Odisha's Sambalpur district after violence erupted during a motorbike rally on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti Sobhayatra yesterday,'' District Administration informed.

Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, DK Singh said,''internet is suspended to prevent circulation of inflammatory and motivated messages, which have the potential to inflame communal passion.

''No access to social media... WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & .... Suspension of internet/data services of all MSPs & ISPs and Broadband dial up system'', the notification said.

According to reports, a bike rally was held to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti in the western Odisha town when some miscreants allegedly pelted stones at the rally stoking a clash between two groups. In Odisha, the festival is celebrated on Maha Vishuva Sankranti, which falls on April 14 this year.

Notably, at least 10 police personnel including the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Sambalpur and the IIC of Dhanupali Police Station were injured after violence erupted during the Hanuman Jayanti rally in Sambalpur on Wednesday evening.

Earlier in the day, more than 35 people have been detained for their alleged involvement in the violence.

Sambalpur SP B Gangadhar as quoted by news agency PTI, said that 26 people have so far booked under different sections of the IPC. They will be forwarded to the court.

The SP said 20 platoons of police force have been deployed in the area.