Holi revelry turns tragic: 6 killed, several injured in separate mishaps in Odisha

Bhubaneswar:  At least six persons were killed and several others were injured in mishaps during Holi celebrations at different places in Odisha today.

Satish Sahu, a student of Cuttack Gopalpur drowned while bathing in Kathajodi River. After rescuing Satish from the river, locals then rushed him to SCB Medical College and Hospital. However, the doctors declared him brought dead.

In Baripada, a youth died after falling into Sitakund in Similipal of Mayurbhanj district. The youth, Rajesh Sharma of Vivekanand Marg along with his four other friends had come to celebrate holi to Sitakund when the mishap occured.

While a seven-year-old boy of Kiaberna under Lahunipara police limits met watery grave while taking a bath in river in Sundergarh, a youth of Belagaon village drowned in Tel River in Bolangir.

According to reports, the deceased, Ashutosh Bishi was a worker at a local gunpowder factory in Bolangir. After celebrating Holi, Ashutosh had gone to take a bath in Tel River which flows near his village.  But he slipped into the deep waters accidentally. Locals, who were also present near the spot, rescued and rushed him to hospital where he was declared dead.

In another incident, a youth of Ishwarpur village in Jajpur drowned in Kharasrota River.

Meanwhile, some other incidents of violence were also reported during Holi celebrations in the State today.

A group clash was reported between residents of two localities in Jeypore of Koraput district.  Engraged groups pelted stones at each other following an altercation over Holi celebrations. As the situation went out of control, police fired in air to disperse the mob. Adequate police force has been deployed to maintain law and order in the area.

In smart city Bhubaneswar, at least six persons were injured following a clash between two groups near Baramunda bus terminal. A PCR van and a car has reportedly been vandalised during the clash.