In a bid to prevent rumour mongering through social media, the Uttar Pradesh administration on Thursday blocked mobile internet and messaging services in Saharanpur where two people were killed and over a dozen injured in sectarian clashes.
“Anti-social elements had been using the internet to spread false rumours,” said a senior official in Saharanpur.
The authorities also imposed Section 144 and a ban on any kind of assembly, protest rally and demonstration in the district. “Security personnel have been patrolling the troubled spots to ensure peace,” the official said.
Sources said the Centre had sought a report on the violence from the state government, and added no untoward incident was reported anywhere in the district on Thursday.
The government had on Wednesday suspended the district magistrate and the police chief on charges of laxity.
The newly appointed district magistrate and police chief visited Shabbirpur village where Thakurs and Dalits had clashed a few days ago over taking out a procession. Several houses belonging to members of both communities had been torched.
So far, 25 people have been arrested in connection with the violence. The UP government has come under attack from political rivals over recurring violence in Saharanpur.
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