Long-standing well dispute sparks group clash in Pipli, 2 critical

A violent clash triggered by a long-standing dispute over a well left two persons seriously injured and three others with minor injuries at Kanas Garh under Pipli police limits on Wednesday, police said.

According to officials, the dispute dates back to 2021 and has been a source of tension between the two parties for several years. The injured persons, who reside outside the village, had come to Kanas Garh for a brief two-day visit when the incident occurred.

Police said the altercation began with a verbal argument and quickly escalated into violence. One of the accused was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time, which further aggravated the situation.

The two seriously injured persons were initially admitted to Khordha hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. One of the injured is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU due to the severity of injuries sustained.

Kanas police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. One of the four accused has been arrested and will be produced before a court, while efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the remaining accused.

Police said the investigation is continuing to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the clash.