Protest rally over controversial social media post turns ugly in Bhadrak; DSP and SI attacked, Section 163 imposed

Bhadrak: Acute tension prevailed near Santhia under Bhadrak Town Police Station limits after a protest rally over a controversial social media post turned ugly today forcing the local administration to to impose Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC) for an indefinite period.

A fight broke out between two communities following a controversial social media post following which they pelted stones and bricks at each other.

Later, hundreds of people belonging to one group gathered near Santhia and were going in a rally in protest against a controversial social media post shared by a youth of another community.

Soon, a team of cops under the leadership of City DSP Anshuman Dwivedi and Bhadrak Town Police Station SI reached the spot after getting information about it and waylaid the rally as it was being held allegedly without prior permission.

However, some protesters got angry over this and reportedly attacked the police team by pelting stones and bricks which left the City DSP and Bhadrak Town Police Station SI and two other constables injured. Following this, police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the protesters.

The protesters also vandalized the vehicle of the local Tehsildar who rushed to the spot after getting information about it.

Apart from imposing Section 163 in Santhia and nearby areas, the administration also deployed seven platoons of police forces in the area to bring situation under control, said sources adding that the injured cops are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

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