AMN
Crime Branch of Odisha has started the probe into alleged abusive remarks on social media on some deities which led to unrest in Bhadrak town of Odisha. The investigative agency has filed a case and started probe against all those involved in the insulting posts on Facebook. Even though there has been considerable improvement and the situation is under control, the curfew which was clamped in the town on Friday has been RELAXED FOR SOME TIME TODAY (SUNDAY).
Around 36 platoons of police force and 2 companies of central forces have been deployed in the town to ensure no untoward disturbance. Police had conducted flag march in the town yesterday and arrested more than 40 persons over the incident. The administration has appealed people not to react to messages or rumours on social media.
Curfew on Sunday relaxed for four hours as the situation improved. The curfew, that was imposed on Friday, was relaxed from 8 am to 11 am today but later extended till 12 noon to allow people to procure essential commodities, even as security forces kept a close vigil, a senior official said.
“People queued up at shops to purchase essential items following improvement in the overall situation in the strife-torn town,” they said, adding that the curfew would continue for some more time after the brief relaxation. Meanwhile, the crime branch has launched an investigation into the rumours circulated through social media following directions by Chief Secretary A P Padhi, who has appealed to people not to believe in such rumours.
The cyber police cell would seek information from people to track miscreants spreading hate messages on social media and strict action would be taken against them, Special Director General of Police (Crime) B K Sharma said. Three companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and two companies of CRPF have arrived to assist police in maintaining law and order in the town, Bhadrak SP Dilip Das said.