10 Cops Injured In Arson During Hanuman Jayanti Rally In Odisha’s Sambalpur, Sec 144 Clamped

Sambalpur: At least 10 police personnel sustained injuries when violence broke out during Hanuman Jayanti rally in Odisha’s Sambalpur city on Wednesday.

Sources said an officer in the rank of additional superintendent of police (ASP) and inspector in-charge of Dhanupali police station were among those injured.

In the wake of arson and vandalism in Town police station, Dhanupali, Khetrajpur, Ainthapali, Bareipali and and Sadar police station areas, the Sambalpur Sub-Collector imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC to restore normalcy and prevent further flare up.

The incident took place during a bike rally taken out in the city to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti.  Some miscreants allegedly pelted stones at the rally, triggering a clash between two groups.

The bike rally, which started from Dhanupali Police Station Chhak, was crossing Motijharan Chhak when trouble erupted as the miscreants indulged in stone-throwing.

Apart from stone-throwing, several shops were set afire and vehicles were also damaged by the unidentified miscreants when the rally was proceeding.

The injured persons have been rushed to a hospital for treatment and their condition was stated to be stable.

As vandalism and arson were reported, police resorted to mild lathicharge at District School Chhak to disperse the mob and maintain order.

Ten platoons of police force were deployed to control the situation and prevent any further flare up, the sources added.