TV
Tension ran high in the Bhagipur area of Banki in Cuttack district after a group clash left several people, including passersby, injured following the pelting of stones from both sides on early Saturday morning.
Sources reported that two groups of people from neighboring localities of Bhagipur village engaged in a heated altercation this morning which soon turned violent. Stones, glass bottles, and wooden sticks were pelted from both sides and as many as four people had received major injuries.
The exact cause behind the clash remains unclear, as of yet. However, sources indicated that the seed of the feud was laid last evening when a group of youths created a scene by intentionally hurling stones at vehicles passing through the Cuttack-Banki road via Bhagipur, allegedly demanding toll money.
Arguments and chaos had then prevailed after passersby and the youths engaged in spats and thrashing. Village elders reportedly reached out to the accused group this morning, asking them to refrain from continuing the unruly activities. However, a verbal clash broke out on the spot.
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Subsequently, a feud broke out and the village was divided into two groups fighting over the incident.
Meanwhile, police reached the scene and are currently conducting an investigation. However, they have not provided any comments on the matter, as per the last reports.
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The incident comes across as a cause of concern as several sites in villages along the Cuttack-Banki route have turned into scenic tourist hotspots. Incidentally, Devi Dwara, a popular attraction on the stretch, lay just a few kilometers across from the site of the group clash, posing a significant risk for tourists.
