SPs asked to step up vigil after Sambalpur violence

BHUBANESWAR: A day after violence erupted during a bike rally in Sambalpur, Odisha police on Thursday asked the superintendents of police of other districts to step up security and remain vigilant during Hanuman Jayanti processions on Friday.
“There are well established procedures to deal with such situations. We will follow them,” director general of police Sunil Bansal said.
Additional director general (law and order), R K Sharma said adequate security personnel have been deployed in Balasore, Cuttack, Kendrapada and Nabarangpur to ensure peaceful passage of Hanuman Jayanti processions on Friday.
“We have instructed all SPs as well as the DCPs of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to remain extremely alert on issues related to communal harmony,” said Sharma.
“The situation is normal and under control at Sambalpur. At least 35 platoons of forces have been deployed to avoid any untoward incident at Sambalpur. Internet services have been temporarily suspended and 26 accused persons have been arrested in connection with the violence,” Sharma said.
Sources said the SPs have asked all police stations to gather intelligence and keep tabs on trouble-mongers.
Cyber crime police stations have been asked to keep watch on social media platforms and take action against those who circulate hate messages.