A weekly haat (market) under Dumbaguda panchayat in Dasmantpur block of Koraput district turned into a battleground after clashes broke out between supporters belonging to the ruling BJD and Opposition Congress during campaigning for the ensuing Panchayat polls, on Thursday.
Trouble began when the two parties took out separate rallies in the area to canvass for their respective candidates in the fray for the Panchayat polls.
Both the parties have filed separate FIR against each other in connection with the incident at Dasmantpur Police Station, informed the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC), Bijayraj Majhi.
As per reports, while the workers of BJD and Congress were campaigning for their candidates, a war of words ensued between some people, affiliated with both the parties.
The situation turned ugly after they started manhandling and abusing each other which triggered the clash.
Meanwhile, Majhi said an investigation into the matter will be initiated following which further action will be taken.
It is being said as the State Election Commission (SEC) had earlier prohibited large gatherings during political campaigning in view of the Covid situation in the State. The question arises who gave permission to the two parties to take out the massive rallies in violation of the SEC guidelines?