Following a clash between two communities earlier in the day over alleged cow slaughter, authorities in Odisha’s Balasore town imposed curfew late Monday night. Initially, prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 were applied in specific areas, but later extended across the entire town to prevent further escalation.

Balasore collector Ashish Thakare stated, “Although no fresh violence occurred after imposing the prohibitory orders, we opted to enforce curfew across the entire municipality area as a precautionary measure.”

The state government has additionally mandated the suspension of internet services in Balasore town and surrounding areas.

Sanjay Kumar, the Additional Director General of Police for law and order, who is stationed in the town, indicated that 34 individuals from both communities have been arrested, with the possibility of more arrests in the near future.

“Forty-three platoons of police force have been deployed in the town, and an additional 15 platoons are being mobilised,” Kumar stated. “Four IPS officers and senior police officers from the headquarters are also being deployed to monitor the situation closely.”

He emphasized that measures are in place to minimize inconvenience to the public, ensuring essential services such as ambulance services remain operational outside the curfew zone.

According to initial findings, the incident occurred in a sensitive area of northern Odisha, sparked by allegations that water in a local train turned red, suspected to be “animal blood due to cow slaughter.”

“This led to confrontations between the communities and subsequent stone pelting. Police intervened with lathi charges to restore order,” police sources reported.

Several policemen and civilians sustained injuries, while a few vehicles were damaged, as per official sources.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held discussions with the Balasore collector, instructing him to manage the situation effectively.

Majhi emphasized that Odisha is a state known for its commitment to peace, asserting that public order will not be allowed to be disrupted under any circumstances.

The district administration has also been convening peace committee meetings with local residents.