India, Oct. 2 -- MEERUT Authorities in Uttar Pradesh suspended Internet services in Bareilly for 48 hours beginning Thursday afternoon, as heavy security was deployed across four districts of the Bareilly division in view the recent communal tensions.

According to a notification issued by the state home department, mobile Internet, broadband, and SMS services in Bareilly district will remain suspended from 3pm on October 2 to 3pm on October 4.

Home secretary Gaurav Dayal said the order was issued to prevent the misuse of social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp to spread rumours or incite unrest. "The step was taken to maintain peace and public order," the notification stated.

The move comes days after unrest in Ba...