1. Curfew imposed in Balasore after clash over animal sacrifice blood spillage during Bakrid.
2. Internet services were suspended in sensitive areas of the town due to the unrest.
3. Curfew in effect from midnight June 17 to midnight June 18 to restore calm.
Balasore, June 18: Curfew was imposed in Odisha’s Balasore following a clash between two groups over the spillage of animal sacrifice blood on a road during Bakrid on Monday. Internet services were also suspended in sensitive areas of the town.
The curfew will remain enforced from midnight on June 17 to midnight on June 18.
Tensions escalated when a group protested against the sacrificial blood on the road, which was part of the Bakri Eid rituals.
Another group reportedly pelted stones at the protesters, triggering the clash. Several people, including police personnel, sustained injuries, and around 20 vehicles were damaged in the violence.
Also Read: Supreme Court Issues Notice to NTA and Centre Over NEET, Citing Even Minor Negligence
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke with Balasore Collector Ashish Thakare, urging swift measures to restore peace.
Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar arrived in Balasore, overseeing a police flag march in the town.
“Curfew has been imposed in the Balasore municipality area. All commercial establishments and shops have been directed to remain closed,” stated Balasore SP Sagarika Nath.
Police authorities instructed residents not to venture out of their homes unless for emergency medical reasons.
Police officials assured that adequate measures were in place to stabilize the situation and maintain order.