Group clashes across Odisha during Holi; many hurt

Bhubaneswar/ Baranga/Ganjam/Dhenkanal/Sora/Panikoili/Cuttack, Mar 14: Several group clashes occurred today across Odisha in which 50 persons were injured marring Holi celebrations. The clashes occurred in Odisha including in the capital city, are said to be because of the rivalry happening between parties since elections.

A clash occurred between villagers of Patapur and Bramhani in Baranga. Villagers also blocked the Cuttack-Banki route for long hours. In order to disperse the crowd. Police had to fire tear-gas shells and resort to mild lathicharge. At least 5 persons were injured in the clash.

Another scuffle ensued between two localities under Nandankanan police limits in which 5 persons were injured. Two motor-cycles were also torched following which, police forces had to be deployed to maintain law and order.

A clash during holi celebrations at Lunipada in Bhanjanagar in Ganjam injured 22 persons.

A car was ransacked and 7 persons were injured in a clash in Dhenkanal.

A clash between two groups over DJ music in Sora injured nine persons of which two have been shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital and are stated to be critical.

Two groups clashed during Holi celebrations in Janhe Village of Panikoili injuring 4 persons of which 2 critically injured persons have been shifted to SCB Hospital in Cuttack.