Sambalpur: Curfew was imposed for an indefinite period in Sambalpur town Saturday after sporadic overnight violence and the death of a man under mysterious circumstances. The internet service has also been suspended for two more days, said an official source.
The violence came after Friday evening’s Hanuman Jayanti processions were held under tight security.
As a precautionary measure, the district administration has imposed a curfew in Sambalpur town with immediate effect till further orders, officials said.
The Sambalpur sub-collector in a notification said “a state of Curfew U/S- 144(1) CrPc is hereby declared … With immediate effect until further orders.”
The curfew has been imposed in six police station areas of Dhanupali, Khetrajpur, Ainthapali, Bareipali and Sadara immediate effect and until further orders.
No individual or group of people is allowed to exit their houses during the curfew period. However, the notification said that people may go out and buy essential items between 8.00 AM to 10.00 AM and between 3.30 PM to 5.30 PM.
Sambalpur district collector Ananya Das said that all education institutions, business establishments, and government and private offices were to remain closed.
The collector also appealed to the people to cooperate with the administration and ensure the early restoration of peace in western Odisha city.
DIG (North Central Range) Brijesh Kumar Rai added that the administration decided to clamp the curfew to restore peace and normalcy in the region following violence in the city Friday night.
PNN & Agencies