Curfew has been imposed in areas under Thelamara and Dhekiajuli police stations in Sonitpur district after violent clashes occurred in Thelamora-Sutipahar (Bhora Singri) area on Wednesday.
Sonitpur deputy commissioner Manavendra Pratap Singh’s vehicle was also damaged during the clashes in the evening on Wednesday at Garuduba under Thelamora PS.
While addressing media persons late in the evening, deputy commissioner Singh said, “Situation is under control as of now.”
Sensation prevails in Thelamara-Sutipahar (Bhora Singri) area under Thelamara PS after a section of locals attacked a rally taken out by the Dhekiajuli unit of Bajrang Dal, Ramsena and Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Wednesday to mark the ‘bhumi pujan’ of Ram Mandir.
Additional superintendent of police (HQ) Numal Mahatta said, “Police resorted to open 10 rounds of fire in the air after lathi-charge to disperse the mob.”
At least 12 persons were injured in the clashes.
The rally was taken out in the Barchala area and then the rallyists approached towards the Gouri Mandir located in a hillock, popularly known as Suti-Pahar for performing puja on the occasion to conclude their day-long programme.
However, a section of locals attacked the rallyists with weapons.
The attackers even kept several persons captive for a long time and set ablaze 12 motorbikes and a TATA Magic and it took a communal turn.
The deputy commissioner said, “It was a communal clash between both teams.”
On receiving the information police and security forces rushed to the spot and safely rescued the captive members of the rally.
The Sonitpur DC along with the senior police officials from the district headquarter rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation, but the DC’s vehicle was also damaged by some miscreants.
The deputy commissioner has urged all to maintain peace and tranquilly and communal harmony.
While issuing 144 CrPC in areas under Thelamara and Dhekiajuli police stations, the DC said the step has been taken “due to a grave law and order situation” prevailing in Goruduba village and Bharahingori of Pachim Borgaon GP under Thelamara PS area.
The “groups are trying to indulge in the violence in the name of protest and in view of the present events there is an apprehension of grave risks and danger to human life and properties, if persons are allowed to move freely,” the order said.
An emergency situation has arisen which necessitates immediate action and speedy remedy for the maintenance of public order and tranquillity, the DC said.
Considering the facts and circumstances, deputy commissioner Singh, who is also the district magistrate, ordered that “no one, who has not got a special permit” from him shall to go in public or leave their house within the limit of Thelamara and Dhekiajuli PS area.
The order under 144 CrPC will remain effective from 10 pm on August 5, 2020 until further order.
“The order is passed exparte in view of urgency and in the interest of maintenance of public order and peace. The order shall come into force with immediate effect,” the DC said.