Tensions flared in Bhadrak district, Odisha, after a controversial social media post led to violent clashes between two communities, resulting in the arrest of the individual responsible for the social media post besides seven others.

Bhubaneswar/Bhadrak: Nine people were arrested on Saturday for allegedly being involved in a clash between two communities and an attack on police personnel in Odisha's Bhadrak district over an "objectionable" post by a man on social media, police said.

Communal clashes in Odisha's Bhadrak district prompted a 48-hour internet suspension and curfew. Violence erupted over a social media post.

A day after eruption of tension in Odisha’s communally-sensitive Bhadrak district, the State Government has withdrawn internet services for 48 and clamped prohibitory order after a rally protesting against a controversial social media post turned violent leaving at least five policemen injured.

Following communal tensions in Bhadrak, a notification was issued by the Odisha Home department, ordering the suspension of internet services for 48 hours till 2 am on September 30 across the district.

Trouble started over a Facebook post shared by a man that triggered widespread resentment in the area. In response, a group of protesters staged a rally and blocked roads, burning tyres and demanding the man's arrest.

The Odisha government on Saturday, September 28, suspended internet services in the Bhadrak district for 48 hours amid communal violence incidents following social media postings.