BHUBANESWAR: Political violence that marked the recently-concluded panchayat polls spilled on to Holi as clashes were reported from across the districts on Monday. At least one person died in Dhenkanal whereas clashes broke out across a dozen of places.
In Koseida village under gondia block, one Mayadhar Pradhan was bludgeoned to death on Monday night when he was on his way back home. Although preliminary reports stated that Pradhan did not have any political background, his brother apparently was worker of a party. Since there was a history of political conflict of the deceased's sibling, the murder is believed to be a fallout of it.
While Dhenkanal Police is on the job, angry locals were up in arms and demanded action against the assailants. The police station was also gheraoed.
In Mahanga under Cuttack district, a violent clash broke out which left 11 persons injured on Tuesday. The conflict had started during Holi over 'prasad' of a local temple and police had brought the matter under control. However, it resurfaced on the day and took a violent turn.
Three persons were seriously injured and hospitalised. Police sources said there was simmering tension between these two groups during the panchayat polls who snowballed into the conflict.
In Bhanjanagar block of Ganjam, group clash between workers of rival political parties left several injured. A car was ransacked and bikes were set on fire by the warring political workers.
State Police sources said reports of political violence came in from more than 12 places during Holi. ''The pent up anger was given vent by workers of political parties who had not got any opportunity to clash during the polls due to deployment of forces,'' the sources added. In Puri too, similar violence was reported. In a clash between two groups, the toll gate at Pipli was ransacked and damaged. Pipli Police arrested three persons in this connection.
However, there was no communal flare-up during the festivities. Police had made adequate arrangements in Cuttack, Bhadrak, Sundargarh and Balasore districts to keep an eye on miscreants.