Curfew Imposed in Sambalpur Following Fresh Violence During Hanuman Jayanti Rally

New Delhi (India), April 15, 2023: A curfew has been imposed in Odisha’s Sambalpur until further notice after reports of fresh violence during a Hanuman Jayanti rally in the city on Friday. The move came after several shops were set on fire during the march.

The sub-collector of Sambalpur has declared a curfew under Section 144(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, stating that no individual or group is allowed to leave their homes in the jurisdictional areas of Town Police Station, Dhanupali Police Station, Khetrajpur Police Station, Ainthapali Police Station, Bareipali Police Station, and Sadar Police Station of Sambalpur.

Individuals are allowed to procure essential items during the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. in case of emergencies. Additionally, a helpline for medical emergencies has been set up at the district headquarters hospital. India Today reported that the Odisha government deployed around 1,500 security personnel in the city before the march in the evening.

Sambalpur had witnessed a clash between two communities during a bike rally on Wednesday in the run-up to Hanuman Jayanti. As the clash spilled over into the streets, many vehicles were damaged and some shops were set on fire.

As many as 32 people were arrested and sent to jail on the charge of rioting in Sambalpur. All superintendents and deputy commissioners of police in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have been directed to remain on alert. The situation remains tense in Sambalpur, and strict legal action will be taken against those who violate the curfew order.