Tension prevails in Puri village over idol immersion

BHUBANESWAR: Tension prevailed at Berhampur village under Krushnaprasad block of Puri district on Saturday after a group clash erupted late on Friday night. The clash occurred between the groups during Ganesh idol immersion. At least five persons were injured in the clash.
Police sources said the groups belong to two different political parties. They are not in good terms following panchayat polls ended six months ago.Both the groups indulged in a fight during the immersion procession on Friday evening. Some youths protested the procession organised by their rivals. Some youths in inebriated condition created the conflict, said the police.
After the clash, people returned to their home. On the very next day, one of the groups allegedly attacked a person from the rival group. The strong group hurled bomb on the houses of their rivals damaging more than 25 houses and 10 boats. The rival group also went on rampage and vandalized 10 houses and eight boats, said Krushnaprasad SDPO Alekha Chandra Pahi.
At least five people were injured in the clash. They were rushed to the Nuapada Community Health Centre near the village. Sub collector and other officials of the district administration went to the village and conducted discussion with some people. Pahi said two platoons of police force have been deployed in the village to maintain law and order. “We have kept close watch on the movement of the members of both the groups,” he added.
He said nobody from either groups have lodged complaint in this regard. After getting complaint, we will start taking action against the accused, he added. The police sources said a meeting peace committee will be formed to keep harmony in the village. Senior citizens of the village have come forward to solve the issue.