Several injured in group clash during ‘Danda Nacha’ celebration in Ganjam

Several youths were injured in a group clash during ‘Danda Nacha’ celebration at Bhejiput area under Bhanjanagar block in Ganjam district on Friday.

As per reports, jatra artiste Rani Panda had come to perform on a stage during the grand celebration of ‘Panchudanda Jatra’. While Rani was performing during an opera show, there was a huge rush near the stage.

While some youth tried to capture the video of Rani’s dance with their mobile phones, others standing behind them told them to refrain from their acts as they were getting blocked and not able to watch the performance on the stage. However, the youths, who were recording videos, did not pay heed to their requests. Subsequently, they had a heated exchange and it triggered a clash between the two groups.

Bhanjanagar police managed to pacify both groups and brought the situation under control. No police complaint has been filed in this connection with the group clash.

Notably, ‘Danda Nacha’ is being celebrated in several parts of Ganjam these days. Huge crowd is being witnessed during different shows performed during the jatra. Though police have conducted several awareness campaigns to maintain law and order during the celebration, several incidents of violence have surfaced in the last couple of days.

(Reported by Rajesh Panda)