Danda Jatra Group Clash Leaves One Dead, 10 Hurt In Nayagarh; Cops Deployed   

A religious festival celebration ended up in tragedy after a violent group clash resulted in the death of a youth and injury of more than 10 persons in Durgaprasad of Nayagarh district.  

The clash between the residents of Durgaprasad and Deulapali took place last night during a procession taken out to celebrate Danda Jatra. The deceased has been identified as Nabin Parida, a resident of Durgaprasad.  

According to sources, Danda Thakur was taken out on a procession last night from Deulipali to Sinduria village. During the procession, a scuffle broke out between the youths of two villages over a trivial issue. 

The youths from one group pelted stones at the rivals leaving more than 10 persons from both sides injured. Besides, Pragya Paramita Jena, IIC of the Town police station and three other police personnel were also injured while trying to bring the situation under control.

It was alleged that Nabin Parida was abducted during the clash and beaten to death.  

While tension prevailed in both the villages, police forces have been deployed to thwart further escalation of tension. All the injured were, meanwhile, admitted to the district headquarters hospital.  

Nayagarh additional SP Umakanta Samal said, “A scuffle broke out between the youths of Durgaprasad and Deulapali while returning after Danda Jatra procession. Several persons from both sides were injured apart from some police personnel. After the clash, a youth of Deulapali village was found lying in a field near a pond. He was declared dead at hospital.”

Police forces are deployed in both villages to thwart further untoward incident, he added.