Soro: In the aftermath of the group clash between two communities during immersion festival of Lord Ganesh, miscreants set seven shops on fire in the town late on Sunday night even as the prohibitory order under section 144 of CrPC was in force.
The special police team, which keeps a close watch on the situation, detained a pesron from the spot and is interrogating him.
The incident took place hours after the peace committee meeting with top police officials and local representatives including ADG, SP and local MLA. The members of all communities present in the meeting unanimously decided to cooperate with police in restoring normalcy and fraternity in the area.
Police, however, had said the armed forces would stay in the town until normalcy returns to the area. Even the prohibitory order would not be lifted until police feel that there would be no untoward incident further, Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order, Satyajit Mohanty had said after the peace committee meeting on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Balasore Collector relaxed the prohibitory orders for four hours in day time between 10am and 2 pm. However, restriction has been imposed on any meeting and procession during the time, the collector said.
“The situation is now under control. The prohibitory order has been relaxed between 10am and 2 pm.People can buy essential commodities from the market in that time. However, any type of public gathering and procession will not be allowed”, Balasore SP Niti Sekhar said.
The group clash had taken place while the immersion procession was passing through Pathan Mahalla in Soro market area on Friday night. An altercation ensued between two communities which subsequently turned violent as they indulged in brick-batting. Seven people were injured in the incident.
Two persons involved in the violence were arrested. Police are in a lookout to nab others.