Communal violence rattles Odisha's Delang as a dozen injured, 50 shops looted in communal rivalry

The injured persons, many of whom sustained burns, were shifted to Capital Hospital in the city.
Communal violence rattles Odisha's Delang as a dozen injured, 50 shops looted in communal rivalry

BHUBANESHWAR: Communal violence between two rival communities erupted at Ghoradia bazaar in Delang, around 30 kilometres from here on Wednesday, injuring around 12 persons, four of them seriously and 50 shops ransacked. Prohibitory orders under Section144 of CrPC have been clamped at Ghoradia and adjoining areas.

Despite police reinforcements, tension ceased to subside as the mob torched construction equipment and a tractor in the evening, and had looted and set a poultry farm afire earlier in the day.

The incident was an outcome of an old standing dispute between two groups, one belonging to Balihunka and Sisuapada, while the other from Ghoradia Sahi in Delang under Puri district.

The injured persons, many of whom sustained burns, were shifted to Capital Hospital in the city. Those who were serious have been referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Normal life came to a standstill with a series of bombings from both sides in Delang while communal tensions flared by afternoon as members of both communities armed with swords and other weapons clashed amid police presence.

Two motorcyclists were beaten up by the mob and their bike was torched after they ignored warnings by police. While the rider has been hospitalised, the pillion-rider is yet to be traced, sources said.

Police said Wednesday’s incident was an outcome of a minor scuffle on Monday when two youth from warring communities picked up a fight while purchasing vegetables. The situation was tense in the region which has a history of communal violence but had been brought under control.

 Six complaints were lodged with the local police who intervened and settled the matter but the incident flared after both groups were prepared to incite violence today.

Two years ago, a man died due to burn injuries after a bomb was hurled at him at the Ghoradia market on the occasion of Eid. As the situation went out of control, Puri Collector Arvind Agarwal and SP Sarthak Sarangi along with senior officials of the district administration rushed to the spot.

A total of 10 platoons have been deployed in the area and police are conducting regular flag marches. The situation is being monitored and appropriate action will be taken against the persons involved in the violence, police said.

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