Will act against those creating religious strife: Odisha CM

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said strong action will be taken against those whipping up violence in the name of religion.

Patnaik visited the violence-hit Bhadrak town and reviewed the situation with senior officials. He also inspected several areas where violence took place last week following derogatory remarks on Hindu gods posted on social media.

"All accused persons responsible for the violent incidents will be punished as per the law. Further, our state government will take strong steps to counter the divisive forces creating discord and violence in the name of religion," the Chief Minister told the media.

He said appropriate compensation will be provided to those having suffered loss in the communal violence.

He ordered the district administration to assess the loss in three days and rehabilitate the affected shopkeepers by opening vending zones soon.

Meanwhile, internet and bus services in the town have been restored and normalcy is gradually returning to the town. Educational institutions and other establishments in the town re-opened.

The district administration also relaxed the curfew for nine hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The cyber cell of the Odisha Police Crime Branch identified and interrogated five persons for circulating rumours and objectionable materials on social media, which led to violence in the town.

Crime Branch Special Director General B.K. Sharma said all the five persons belong to Bhadrak.

IANS

cd/ruwa/vt