Clash in Balasore, prohibitory order clamped

As per reports, a group of people yesterday beat up the tractor owner and the driver following an altercation for rash driving. The duo was admitted to hospital as they sustained injuries. Moments later, the incident took a violent turn as two groups clashed over the issue.

However, police reached the spot to maintain law and order. Four persons were detained in this connection.

Trouble flared up again today as scores of people went on a rampage damaging shops and ATM counters protesting detention of four persons. Two constables were injured while trying to bring the situation under control.

Further, the mob including women gheraoed the police station demanding release of four detained persons.

As a precautionary measure prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC were clamped this morning at ten places of the town.

“As trouble makers have surrendered, why they have detained my husband? We have come to seek reply of this,” relative of a detained person said.

“Police have been disturbing us through the night. Early morning again police came and said SP wants to meet Subodh Mohanty. He has been detained in the police lock up since then,” a relative of a detained person said.

The situation came under control after police assured that the detainees will be released after questioning.

“We have detained some persons for interrogation. Some women had come here and claimed that the detainees were not involved in the group clash. We have accepted their claims and are verifying the matter. We will take necessary action after proper verification,” Balasore SP Rakesh Kumar said.

Senior district administrative and police officials visited the area and made necessary arrangements to maintain law and order.