Sword attack during Maa Durga idol immersion in Bhubaneswar leaves 2 injured

Two persons were injured in a clash that broke out between two groups during Durga Puja immersion procession in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday night.

The violence was reported at Rasulgarh during the immersion procession of the Rasulgarh puja committee.

As per reports, a group from Rasulgarh area had an altercation with another group during the procession. Following the argument, a miscreant allegedly attacked the other group with a sharp weapon injuring two in the process.

It is alleged that the attack happened in the presence of the police. When the supporters of the injured persons reached Mancheswar Police Station to lodge a complaint, the police reportedly refused to receive it.

A complainant, Gila Routray said, “I tried to pacify the attackers, but they did not listen to me. Instead, they attacked my nephew and my friend with a sword.”

Another Rasulgarh resident alleged, “The police refused to receive our complaint against the attackers. We want justice and strict action against the attackers.”

Though tension prevailed at Rasulgarh for some time following the attack, the immersion procession was allowed later.

The police refused to comment anything on this matter.

This was not the lone violence reported during immersion procession. A police lathi charge marred the immersion procession in Balasore as well.

Sources said, DJs continued to play loud music till 1am on Tuesday night.

After repeated requests by the police to stop playing DJ music failed, SP Sagarika Nath ordered a lathi charge on the procession which resulted in palpable tension in the area.

Following the lathi charge, some people allegedly pelted stones at the police as well.