Three Injured in Group Clash Over 'Illegal' Sand Mining

Bhadrak: Three persons were injured in a clash that broke out between two groups over lifting of sand in Bhandaripokhari Tehsil area of Bhadrak district on Friday.

One of the injured persons, Umesh Swain of Maninathpur who sustained critical injuries in the clash, was initially rushed to Jajpur hospital but later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after his condition deteriorated.

According to sources, villagers of Maninathpur and Mudhapada had been illegally lifting sand from the nearby Baitarani riverbed. Eventually, the illegal activities stopped at Maninathpur sand block following repeated raids by the local Tehsildar. However, Mudhapada residents reportedly continued to lift sand illegally.

Yesterday, a group of traders from Mudhapada was transporting sand to their village when the residents of Maninathpur intercepted their vehicles. Soon, a clash broke out between the two groups.