Firing inside Odisha’s Mahavinayak Temple during marriage leaves 2 injured

A wedding celebration at the sacred Mahavinayak Temple in Jajpur’s Chandikhole came to a sudden halt after attendees opened fire over political rivalry on Friday. The incident is reported to have stemmed from a political disagreement among attendees.

Alleged Political Motivations

According to eyewitnesses, Duryodhana Behera from Bajabati village, along with his fellow villagers, was attending the wedding celebrations. The wedding ceremony was also attended by Niranjan Rout, a former district council member from Tarangia, Dharmasala, who reportedly was embroiled in an altercation with some youths.

Things took an ugly turn after Niranjan opened fire during the wedding while his supporters attacked Duryodhana and his associates with sharp-edged weapons. 

Injuries and Police Action

The confrontation resulted in two individuals from Bajabati village sustaining injuries. Following the event, a complaint was filed by Duryodhana at Barchana Police Station. The police have registered the case and are actively investigating the circumstances leading to the gunfire, with early reports indicating that Niranjan discharged a firearm during the chaos.

It was not immediately known whether the injuries were due to an attack with sharp-edged weapons or gunshots.

Ongoing Investigation

Local authorities are working to ascertain the exact sequence of events and the motivations behind the altercation. As the investigation continues, community leaders have called for calm and cooperation with the police to ensure peace is restored.