Mob clash with police on Odisha capital outskirts, situation tense

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 1:

Despite clamping of prohibitory orders, law and order situation post tension between two groups worsened today after mob burnt down two shops in Aiginia on the outskirts of Odisha capital following which police had to lob tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

Following group clash between residents of Jadupur and Sarakantara over a freak accident yesterday which led to ransacking at Raghunath Nagar, district administration imposed section 144 of CrPC to bring the situation under control. However, a group of unidentified men today set afire to two shops at Aiginia.

Besides, mob clashed with police and pelted stones at the men in uniform. The security personnel had to use tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Later, police conducted flag march at Sarakantara village on the outskirts of capital city to control the volatile situation.

While the newly-appointed Twin City Commissioner YB Khurania visited the site, Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi is monitoring the situation.

“In the morning the, situation was very tense but the situation is calm now.  The elderly and prominent persons in the villages have taken the responsibility of keeping the youth under control. The burning of Chacha’s mutton shop is the work of some anti-social elements to instigate the situation. We will discuss and try to bring a solution to the problem in the peace meeting at 5 pm in the evening,” said a village peace committee member.

A peace meeting will take place in the evening at Durga Hall with four-five sarpanchs (village heads) of neighbouring villages, eminent persons as well as the police officials will be participating in it.

Yesterday, group clash erupted between Sarakantara and Jadupur villages triggered by minor altercation over motorbike accident.

Around 10 persons were injured in the brawl while the crowd also ransacked many shops in the Dumduma market.

Besides imposition of section 144 in the area, six platoons of police force have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident.