BHUBANESWAR/PURI : Violence erupted at Ghoradia Bazaar at Delang in Puri district after members of two communities fought a pitched battle on Wednesday. Around 12 persons were injured, four of them seriously, and 50 shops ransacked. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC had been clamped at Ghoradia and adjoining areas.
Despite police reinforcements, tension continues to prevail as the mob torched an earth removing equipment and a tractor in the evening. Earlier in the day, a poultry farm was set ablaze.
The incident was a fallout of an old dispute between two groups, one belonging to Balihunka and Sisuapada, and the other belonging to Ghoradia Sahi in Delang.
The injured, many of whom sustained burns, were shifted to Capital Hospital. Those in critical condition have been referred to SCB Medical, Cuttack.
Hundreds of armed youths of Sisuapada and Balihunka made their way to Ghoradia Bazaar resulting in a bloody clash between the two groups. Bombs were hurled and there were also reports of gun shots. Shops and commercial outlets at Ghoradia Bazaar were ransacked. Delang police sought reinforcements from the district police headquarters. After arrival of police, normalcy returned for a while. But clashes erupted again.
A poultry farm at Ghoradia Market was looted and set on fire. Police lobbed teargas shells but it was was not effective enough to disperse the mob. Commuters were also not spared by the rioters. Two motorcyclists, who ignored the police’s warning, were beaten up and their two-wheeler was torched. While the rider has been hospitalised, the pillion is yet to be traced, sources said.
Police said Tuesday’s clash was a fallout of a minor scuffle on Monday when two youths from two groups picked a fight while purchasing vegetables. After complaints were filed, police intervened and brought the situation under control. The situation, however, flared up on Tuesday.
The region has a history of strife. Two years ago, a man died following a bomb attack on him at Ghoradia market.
Ten platoons of armed police have been deployed to quell mob violence and flag marches conducted in the villages. District Magistrate Arabind Agarwal, Puri SP Sarthak Sarangi and Sub-Collector Madhusudan Dash were camping in the area to restore peace. No arrest has been made so far. The situation is being monitored and action will be taken against the persons involved in the violence, Agarwal said.