Past

Regional shutdown

Saran

A clash between political party workers erupted near polling stations on 20 May 2024 that resulted in one death, prompted the Saran district administration to order an Internet shutdown for two days as a precautionary measure. While the order (see below) specified blocking of particular apps, reports suggest that all Internet services were affected. The orders were extended until 25 May 2024.

  • Total Duration 3 days, 15 hours

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Population
1,450,935,791

Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Partly Free

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Local impact

A clash between political party workers erupted near polling stations on 20 May 2024 that resulted in one death, prompted the Saran district administration to order an Internet shutdown for two days as a precautionary measure. While the order (see below) specified blocking of particular apps, reports suggest that all Internet services were affected. The orders were extended until 25 May 2024.

Related documentation

#Alert #Bihar #ElectionsBihar government has suspended #socialmedia sites and #instantmessaging services in #Saran district. These services are suspended from 9 am on 21.5.24 to 9 am on 23.5.24.#LetTheNetWork #KeepItOn #Internet #Shutdown #Blocked pic.twitter.com/LKVXggwVnb— InternetShutdowns.in (@NetShutdowns) May 21, 2024

Other supporting information

It’s difficult to measure the effect of local/regional Internet shutdowns as most measurements are done at a country level.

Social media

Finally Internet Service got resume in Saran, Bihar. 😃😃#Chhapra #Saran— Aayush Kashyap󱢏 (@Aayushkashyap03) May 25, 2024
Blocking the internet is counterproductive. It disrupts the daily life of people in all possible ways. Those causing disturbances need strict law enforcement, not an internet ban. Keep the internet on and enforce order properly to see the place thrive. #KeepInternetOn #saran— Gaurav Singh (@jesankuki) May 25, 2024
#Bihar Police file FIR against Lalu’s daughter Rohini Acharya in Saran post-poll violence case: Internet services suspended for two more days till May 25; 7 FIRs filed in the case https://t.co/qWjDZ3pMWy pic.twitter.com/2S9vJO0C10— Global Voters (@global_voters) May 23, 2024
Dear @Saran_dmDo you have any other options to control law and order in the district besides suspending the internet? I am an IT professional working from home, and the suspension is affecting my work, as well as that of many other IT professionals. Please consider alternatives.— حارث (@whoizHaaris) May 23, 2024