Overview
- A confrontation in Sundargarh’s Regent Market escalated into stone-pelting and attacks with sharp weapons, injuring at least 12 people including police and causing vandalism and a vehicle fire.
- Authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNS and deployed ten platoons, roughly 300 personnel, with senior officers stating the situation is under control.
- Internet services in the town are suspended for 24 hours from 6 pm Thursday, and public gatherings have been banned as a precaution.
- Schools across the municipality are shut on Friday and non-essential shops are closed, with exemptions for medical stores, milk supply and emergency services.
- Officials offered differing accounts of the trigger—either a rumour about stored beef or a quarrel over a food item—while saying no arrests have been made yet and a peace committee meeting will be convened.