32 arrested in Sambalpur violence, Hanuman Jayanti Sobha Jatra to be held peacefully: SP

Sambalpur: Police have so far arrested as many as 32 persons in connection with the violence during Hanuman Jayanti motorcycle rally here, said Sambalpur SP Battula Gangadhar today.

“So far, 32 persons have been arrested in the violence case. As many as 42 platoons of police personnel have been deployed in the town to maintain law and order. This apart, 20 patrolling parties have kept a sharp watch on the situation. We had held a meeting with the two groups and they assured us to extend cooperation. The Hanuman Jayanti Sobha Jatra will be conducted peacefully today,” the official said.

“We have identified around 25 more accused on the basis of videos. They will be rounded up soon,” he added.

Notably, the motorcycle rally was taken out on April 12 ahead of Hanuman Jayanti. While the rally was passing through Motijharan Square, some persons pelted stones at the participants of the rally.

The incident subsequently led to a clash between two groups. Many shops and vehicles were set on fire during the clash.

While trying to take the situation under control, at least 10 police personnel sustained injuries.

The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC at various places in the town to avoid any further untoward incident.