Odisha
Odisha communal tension: Internet shutdown extended, officials warn of strict action in case of attempt to create unrest
Cuttack/IBNS: The Odisha government has extended the internet shutdown in Cuttack till October 7 evening as the communal tension brewed in the city over Durga Puja idol immersion last week, media reports said.
The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) of the central division reviewed the situation, which is still volatile.
RDC Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar was accompanied by Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhola and Cuttack District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde during the review of the situation.
Kumar acted tough saying anyone who would resort to disrupt the social fabric and take law into their hands will be dealt strictly.
At least 31 people including 10 cops were injured in two incidents of communal violence took place last weekend in Daragha Bazar.
At least six people were injured during the first violence that broke out during Durga Puja idol immersion in the period between Friday and Sunday.
The chaos broke out near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area in the wee hours of Saturday when locals objected to the loud music being used in the immersion.
The violence occurred as the altercations escalated.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had called a 12-hour bandh alleging police's failure to contain the situation and prevent the attack on the immersion procession.
In a second incident on Sunday evening, at least 25 people were injured in stone pelting when police stopped a bike rally of VHP.
After the bike rally was stopped in the sensitive area, stones were hurled at the police force.
In response, the state government imposed a prohibitory order in 13 of 20 police station areas of the city for 36 hours and the internet was clamped down till 7 pm on Tuesday.
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