Curfew relaxed in Bhadrak for 6 hours, 80 arrested

Curfew was relaxed for six hours on Monday in Bhadrak, where 80 people were arrested in connection with violence triggered by abusive remarks against Hindu deities, even as social media platforms remained blocked in the area to prevent spread of rumours.

Odisha Home Secretary Asit Tripathy said normalcy has been restored in the violence-hit town. There was report of a stray incident that occurred during curfew relaxation hours, but it was promptly handled by security personnel, he said. DGP K B Singh said 80 people have arrested and eight cases registered in connection with the arson and violence that took place in the town.

Among those arrested one person was held in connection with the stray incident, he said adding the situation was "fully under control" and normalcy was restored in the town as shops, markets, business establishments, offices, ATMs and banks opened during the curfew relaxation period. The curfew, which was imposed on Friday, was relaxed from 8 am to till 2 pm during the day to allow people to procure essential commodities and do their daily chores, Bhadrak Collector Gyana Ranjan Das said.

He said the administration and security forces are keeping a close watch and the future course of action would be decided after a review of the situation in the town, where violence had erupted after some persons allegedly posted offensive remarks against Hindu deities on the social media.