Bhadrak: Eight persons were injured in an acid attack following a clash between two groups of servitors near Akhandalamani temple in Aradi of the district Wednesday night. The servitors reportedly came to blows over performing pujas for devotees.
As per reports, a war of words ensued between two sects of servitors of the shrine following a controversy over pujas for devotees Wednesday morning. The issue intensified into a scuffle late that night following which some members of one group threw acid at the other group.
As many as eight persons sustained injuries during the incident and were rushed to district headquarters hospital. Two of them were later shifted to Cuttack SCB as their condition worsened.
Police has detained two persons in this connection.
"While I was discussing with one devotee, a group of servitors started a quarrel and later attacked me. When my brother and friends came to my rescue, they threw acid on us," said Daitari Padhi, an injured servitor.
"A dispute between two groups of servitors at the temple over area division of services for devotees became intense during the night and one of the group allegedly threw acid at the other group. A case has been registered at Aradi police outpost and action will be taken after the enquiry is over," said Sucharu Kumar Bal, Bhadrak Sub-Collector.