Several injured in violent clashes during Holi celebrations in Odisha

Bhubaneswar:  Over 50 persons were injured in separate incidents of group clashes today marring Holi celebrations across Odisha.

Most of the clashes that took place in several parts of the state including at Bhubaneswar are believed to be the fallout of the ongoing rivalry between the groups since panchayat elections.

Police had to fire tear-gas shells and resort to mild lathicharge to disperse mob following a fierce clash between villagers of Patapur and Bramhani in Baranga on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. At least 5 persons were injured in the clash while the vehicular movement on the Cuttack-Banki route was disrupted for long hours following the incident.

Similarly, tension ran high after 5 persons were injured in another clash between two localities under Nandankanan police limits. Two motor-cycles were also torched in the incident and police force had to deploy to maintain law and order.

In Ganjam, 22 persons were also injured in group clashes during holi celebrations at Lunipada in Bhanjanagar while a car was ransacked and 7 persons were injured in a clash in Dhenkanal.

9 persons were injured in a clash between two groups over DJ music in Sora. Two of the injured had to be shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition.

4 persons were injured in Political violence after two groups clashed during Holi celebrations in Janhe Village of Panikoili. According to sources, 2 critically injured persons have been shifted to SCB Hospital in Cuttack.