5 detained after group clash during IPL match in Sambalpur

At least five youths were detained after clashes broke out between two groups over the passing of lewd comments while watching IPL match at Kumbharpada under Dhanupali police limits in Sambalpur district late Sunday night.

Several youths were injured due to the stone pelting during the clash, reports said. Based on a complaint by the mother of an injured youth, Dhanupali police registered a case and launched a probe in this connection.

According to the complainant, a group of youths were sitting near the local temple and watching an IPL match last night. Meanwhile, a few youths came to the spot on motorbikes and passed lewd comments.

This led to a clash following which youths of one group called their friends who came in huge numbers and attacked the rival group.

“Our boys were watching IPL match on their mobile phones. Meanwhile, youths of other group came to the spot on motorbikes and passed comments. They have been doing nasty things and passing lewd comments for the last one week,” said an injured youth’s mother.

“Things escalated after our boys stood up against their bullying and comments. This led to a group clash, however, locals present at the site managed to bring the situation under control. So, the youths of the other group went back only to return with 20-25 of their friends and started pelting stones at us,” she added.

“They were also equipped with sharp-edged weapons. One of our boys has been injured in the clash. He was taken to hospital for treatment. The youths are not only passing comments on boys but also targeting ladies and women in this area,” she further stated.