Ganesh puja immersion clash in Bhubaneswar: Locals gherao Khandagiri police station over ‘false cases’

Tension flared outside Khandagiri police station in Bhubaneswar on Saturday as scores of local residents gheraoed the police station, alleging that police had registered false cases and arrested a few following a recent clash during Ganesh idol immersion.

According to reports, residents of Patrapada’s Ward 65 staged a gherao and sit-in protest, alleging that police had registered false cases and arrested locals following a recent clash during Ganesh idol immersion.

Protesters accused the police of implicating even the ward corporator in fabricated charges and raised slogans demanding immediate withdrawal of the cases.

The unrest stemmed from incidents reported on August 31, when a Ganesh immersion procession in Patrapada village turned violent after two groups clashed. According to residents, instead of fairly handling the matter, the police allegedly targeted community members and their elected representative, prompting Friday’s demonstration.

Details of the Matter:

According to sources, on the night of August 31, a heated altercation broke out between two groups during the Ganesh immersion procession, reportedly fuelled by old enmity.

The confrontation escalated into violence, leaving at least four people injured. The injured were rushed to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and Capital Hospital for treatment. Police intervened to bring the situation under control and restore order in the locality.

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Residents’ Accusations Against Police

During the gherao, agitators charged the police with bias, claiming that those arrested were not responsible for the disturbances. They further alleged that the inclusion of Ward 65 corporator’s name in the case was politically motivated and intended to intimidate the community. 

Placard-bearing residents gathered at the station premises, pressing for an impartial probe and release of those arrested.

Police Response And Current Status

While police have not officially commented on the allegations of false cases, officers confirmed earlier that arrests were made in connection with the immersion day clash to prevent further escalation.

As of the last reports, the protest continued well into Saturday evening, and police deployed additional security in Patrapada and nearby areas to prevent any resurgence of violence.