Six people, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishikesh Khiri, were injured in a clash between two groups on the intervening night between two groups during the Durga Puja idol immersion procession in Cuttack, Odisha. Cuttack police gave information about this.
Police said the incident took place at around 2 pm on Friday-Saturday near Hatipokhari in Dargahbazar area, when the procession was going to play music in a loud voice towards Devigada on the banks of the Kathzodi River, to which the local people objected.
Six people arrested for violence
Police Commissioner S. Dev Dutt Singh said that six people have been arrested in connection with the violence. He said, “Those arrested were involved in stone pelting and they were identified through CCTV footage.”
Officials said that during the procession, there was an objection from the local people to playing the music in a loud voice and it led to a dispute. Shortly, the two groups stoned each other and started throwing glass bottles, after which the police had to lathi-charged to control the situation.
If stress increases CAPF Deployment of deployment
Police said that when another procession reached that area, the tension erupted again. The Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) was called to deal with the situation and the immersion procession was taken out at around 6 am amid heavy security.
Police said that due to this incident, 50 different vehicles of different groups carrying Durga idols for immersion were stranded for four hours. Singh said that till 10 am, 120 idols of Goddess Durga were immersed.
Chief Minister has made an eye on the incident from Delhi
Officials said that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi, who is holding the charge of the Home Department, is monitoring the situation from Delhi. According to officials, Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania reviewed the situation in a meeting with senior police officers. Officials said that the condition of the injured in the clash is said to be stable. He said that a seriously injured person has been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital.
Naveen Patnaik condemns the incident
Condemning the incident, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said that the police seems completely helpless in controlling the situation. He alleged, “The law and order situation in the state is being affected due to pressure on the police under the BJP government.” Patnaik urged the people to maintain harmony and goodwill.
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