Holi celebration leads to group clash in Odisha, 5 villagers critical

Mild tension erupted at Bhogada village under Tigiria police limits in Cuttack’s Athagarh after Holi celebration turned violent on Tuesday. As many as five persons from two groups sustained injuries in the clash during the Holi festivities.

As per reports, Bhogada sarpanch's husband and brother-in-law were among the injured. After preliminary treatment, they have been shifted to Cuttack-based SCB Medical College and Hospital. 

On being alerted, Athagarh DSP along with a platoon force reached the village and took stock of the situation. The injured persons have been admitted to Tigiria hospital. A platoon of police force was deployed at the spot as tension continued to prevail in the village.

While no exact reason was known immediately, preliminary reports suggest it could be a result of political rivalry and previous enmity.

According to sources, the two groups were soaked in Holi celebration. Due to past enmity, they passed comments on each other, leading to the violent clash.

"There was rivalry with them and they had attacked us earlier too. Today, my husband and brother-in-law had gone to the market to buy groceries. They were waiting for them with sticks and sharp-edged weapon in a pre-planned manner. At least 8-10 people have attacked my supporters," alleged Bhogada sarpanch Sharmila Naik.

"They even came to my house and vandalised everything. They have broken my son's cycle and the CCTV camera installed in our house," she added.