Bhubaneswar, Dec 10: The Odisha government on Wednesday extended the suspension of social media services in Malkangiri district for an additional 24 hours, keeping the restrictions in effect until 12 pm on December 11. The order continues the ban on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, which authorities say are being restricted to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order.

This marks the third consecutive extension since the prohibitory measure was first imposed on December 8. Initially ordered for 24 hours, the ban was extended by 18 hours on December 9, and again today, in view of the district’s sensitive law-and-order situation. The tension stems from violent clashes between two communities following the recovery of a woman’s headless body on December 4.

The situation intensified further on Wednesday after police located the severed head nearly 40 km from the original crime scene. It was discovered near a riverbank close to a Kanya Ashram in Rakhelguda during a follow-up investigation, sparking renewed unrest.

Although a peace committee meeting held on December 9 brought temporary relief—with representatives from MV-26 and Rekhalaguda pledging cooperation—the latest developments prompted authorities to prolong the social media blackout to prevent any escalation.

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