Tension erupts in Ganjam village after clash over school-related dispute

Tension prevailed in Pathara village under Khallikote police station limits in Ganjam district following a clash between two groups over a caste-related dispute linked to a local school, officials said on Friday.

The incident stemmed from a disagreement between two communities at Pathara Kandarapada School. On Thursday evening, the Block Education Officer (BEO), along with Cluster Resource Centre (CRC) coordinators, visited the village and held discussions with representatives of both sides in an effort to resolve the issue. However, despite prolonged deliberations, no consensus could be reached.

After the education department team left the village, tensions resurfaced, leading to a heated exchange between the two groups. The situation soon escalated into stone pelting, resulting in a brief clash and panic among local residents.

Upon receiving information, the Chhatrapur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and the officer-in-charge of Khallikote police station rushed to the spot and initiated talks with both groups. Additional police personnel were deployed in the area to prevent further escalation and restore normalcy.

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Police sources said the situation is currently under control and no injuries or untoward incidents have been reported. Authorities are continuing to monitor the area to ensure peace and maintain law and order.