Group clash sparks tension in Bolangir, 5 injured; police force deployed

Tension ran high at Bangomunda village of Bolangir district following a clash between two groups on Wednesday. Adequate police force has been deployed in the village to prevent any untoward incident. IICs, and SDPOs of four police stations are taking stock of the situation and trying to pacify the agitating villagers, sources said.

According to sources, a clash broke out between two groups of villagers during the ‘Chhatar Jatra’ two days back. At least five members of a group sustained injuries in the clash sparking outrage in the village.

The situation further escalated after hundreds of supporters of the injured gheraoed Bangomunda police station demanding the immediate arrest of the attackers belonging to the other group. However, it is being alleged that the police failed to take any step in this regard for which the incident snowballed into a controversy.

After returning to the village, supporters of the injured people staged a road blockade on Wednesday, forcing local police to rush to the village.

“A few miscreants attacked our people with sharp-edged weapons. We have lodged an FIR demanding their immediate arrest, but no steps are being taken,” said a local.

Another eye-witness said, “There were around 60-70 people and they attacked everyone including women and children. We have recorded the entire incident and we have evidence. But, the police is not taking any action. We want the arrest of all the attackers.”

Meanwhile, senior police officials could not be contacted over the matter.