12 injured in group clash over DJ music in Odisha

At least 12 people were injured following a group clash on Wednesday over DJ music in Khordhapatana village under Tihidi police limits in Odisha’s Bhadrak district.

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According to sources, the dispute erupted over a DJ brought for Kumbha Buda celebrations. Tensions had been brewing since one group allegedly objected yesterday to the DJ being played in their locality. The situation escalated when youths from Parida Sahi were playing Holi with DJ music, which was allegedly opposed today by the residents of another Sahi.

The disagreement soon turned violent, leading to an exchange of attacks from both sides. As a result, 12 people sustained injuries, of which three were reported to be in critical condition. The seriously injured have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Bhadrak for treatment.

Following the clash, tension prevailed in the village. Acting on instructions from the Bhadrak Superintendent of Police (SP), the Tihidi police deployed two platoons of force in the area to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order.

Police have appealed to villagers to maintain peace as the situation remains under control.

“We arrived at the village after getting information today that a group clash had occurred between the residents of Parida Sahi and Palei Sahi. The situation is now under control, and forces have been deployed. We have information that members from both the groups have sustained injuries,” Tihidi Police Station IIC, Satyabadi Grahacharya, said.

“Appropriate action will be taken as per the law after the matter is formally reported. We appealed to the residents to abstain from further escalation of the untoward situation, and maintain harmony and cordiality,” the IIC further said.

“We are keeping a strict vigil on the situation,” the cop added.