Group clash row: Tension erupts over rumour in Odisha’s Rourkela

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Rourkela, Sep 14:

Tension erupted in Odisha’s Rourkela city today after spreading of rumours over the Monday night group clash during Ganesh idol immersion procession here.

According to reports, some unidentified persons spread rumours over the group clash on social media and messenger apps.

While there were reports of brawl at some places here due to the rumours, shops and business establishments were shut down immediately after the incident, sources said.

On the other hand, two more persons were arrested in connection with the group clash. A total of 10 persons have been arrested so far for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Meanwhile, Section 144 of CrPC imposed in the city continued to prevail today. Rourkela Sub-Collector informed that 20 platoons of police force and CRPF have been deployed in the city.

Notably, there was an altercation between two groups at Old Station road here during immersion procession of Ganesh idols of different pandals in the city on Monday night. The exchange of words tuned violent as the two groups started pelting stones at each other. They also vandalized several shops and set a car on fire during the clash.