Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday said the Bhadrak communal violence was a small incident and that the government had initiated a probe into the matter.
"Bhadrak communal violence was a small incident. The probe into the matter is on and things are under control," the chief minister has been quoted as saying by a news channel.
Violence broke out in the area on Thursday after someone allegedly posted abusive remarks against Hindu deities on social media.
As a precautionary step, the state home department has restricted access to social media in the town and in the neighbouring areas for 48 hours effective Sunday night.
Additional forces, including armed police, have been deployed in the area as part of efforts to restore peace in the town.