While the administration had allowed a Hanuman Jayanti procession amid heavy police deployment, there were reports of arson as several shops were allegedly set on fire by miscreants
Amid reports of fresh violence, the Sambalpur district administration on Friday imposed curfew in the jurisdictional area of six police stations in the city to maintain law and order. The curfew will be imposed until further orders.
No individual or group of people are allowed to exit their houses during the curfew period. However, procurement of any essential items may be made during 8 am to 10 am and 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm, said an official order issued by Sambalpur sub-collector Pravash Chandra Dandasana.
The administration has also issued a helpline (7655800760) at the district headquarters hospital for any medical emergencies. It also warned of strict action against violators of the curfew order.
While the administration had allowed the Hanuman Jayanti procession with heavy police deployment, there were reports of arson as several shops were allegedly set on fire by miscreants.
Sambalpur collector Ananya Das said immediate action was taken and force was used to disperse the miscreants. “Fire vehicles deployed by the administration managed the issue instantaneously. We have initiated stringent action immediately and some detentions have been made,” Das told The Indian Express.
Das said there was no major untoward incidents during the procession by the Hanuman Jayanti Samanyoya Samiti. A team of BJP MLAs, who visited Sambalpur to take stock of the situation and to discuss the matter with the administration, also participated in the procession.
Despite heavy police deployment in the city, a youth was allegedly killed near Ring Road Mangala Temple in the western Odisha town, though the identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained. The police are yet to clarify the reason behind the murder.
Meanwhile, the number of arrests in connection with the April 12 violence following a motorcycle rally by Hanuman Jayanti Samanyoya Samiti has gone up to 32, said police. At least 10 police personnel and several others were injured in the clash.
Source: Indian Express