Odisha Village On Edge After Clash Between Two Groups

Bolangir: Tension prevailed at Bairasar village under Puintala block of Bolangir district following a group clash that occurred during a religious procession on February 20.

While the village wore a deserted look, markets and shops are shut for the last few days.

According to sources, a group of people of the village had taken out a procession to mark the end of a religious programme at the village. When the procession was underway, some youths allegedly abused some members of the procession party.

Soon, the two groups entered into a clash over the issue leaving one person critically injured. The members of both the groups lodged complaints in this regard with the local police.

Meanwhile, members of one of the groups staged a road blockade demanding arrest of the accused in the assault. Though the police had formed a peace committee, it failed to resolve the issue.

Later, the villagers staged protest in front of Bairasar panchayat office demanding setting up of a police station at the village. The rival group also met the district superintendent of police and demanded protection for them.

As unrest continued at the village, police personnel have been deployed to thwart any untoward incident in the area.