Mob goes berserk, vandalises lottery stall

Malkangiri: Tension ran high in MV-73 village under Kalimela block of Malkangiri district after local people ransacked a lottery counter and beat up the organisers suspecting foul play during the lottery claim here on Saturday.

According to sources, the lottery contest was organised by the Ganesh Puja Committee of MV-73. The tickets were sold at Rs 100 each.

However, during the announcement of the contest winners yesterday, people smelled something fishy and claimed the organisers were tampering with the procedures and declaration.

Enraged, the mob ransacked the stage as well as beat up the Puja Committee organisers. This apart, they looted the lottery prizes including a motor cycle, mixer grinder, TV set, fridge and other valuables that had been kept for distribution.

Soon, Kalimela police rushed to the spot to control the situation and pacify the mob.