Odisha: Hanuman Jayanti procession taken out amid tight security in violence-hit Sambalpur

Priya Ranjan Swain Published On : Apr 14, 2023 at 7:08 PM

Sambalpur: As many as 43 platoons of police force were deployed in Sambalpur city of Odisha to prevent any untoward incident during the celebration of Hanuman Jayanti today.

Thousands of devotees participated in a religious procession to celebrate the occasion.

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The western Odisha city had witnessed a violent clash between two groups following a stone pelting incident during a rally ahead of the Hanuman Jayanti on April 12.

Several people, including some policemen, had sustained injuries in the incident.

As many as 43 platoons of police personnel, 26 DSP-rank officers, 30 inspectors, 70 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors were deployed in Sambalpur city for smooth organisation of the Hanuman Jayanti procession, said a police officer.

At least 20 police teams conducted patrolling across the city to prevent any untoward incident during the celebration, he added.

“DIG Brijesh Rai and Sambalpur district SP B Gangadhar personally monitored the security arrangements. A drone was also used to keep tab on the anti-social elements,” said the official.

Notably, the police had arrested as many as 32 people in connection with the April 12 violence in Sambalpur.