Violence erupts during Hanuman Jayanti bike rally; 10 policemen injured, Section 144 imposed

Sambalpur: As many as 10 policemen including two Inspectors-in-Charge (IICs) sustained injuries after an unruly mob of people pelted stones at the cops today evening while the faction of people was going on a bike rally, which was organised on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti from Dhanupali Square in Sambalpur district.

During the unpleasant incident, some unruly people set a few bikes, shops and cars on fire. The district administration clamped Section 144 to bring the law and order situation under control.

Section 144 will remain in force from 7 pm until further orders, an administrative official said.

In the present context, the promulgation will be in force in Sambalpur Town, Dhanupali, Khetrajpur, Ainthapali, Bareipali and Sadar police limits, Sub-Collector Pravas Chandra Dandasena stated.

Five platoons of force have been deployed, keeping in mind the palpable tension prevalent here.

Rapid Action Force will be engaged in the town to avoid any untoward situation, a source said.