Bhadrak: Twelve persons were injured in a group clash at Khordhapatana village under Tihidi police limits in Odisha’s Bhadrak district on Wednesday following a dispute over the use of a DJ during the traditional ‘Kumbha Buda’ ritual.
According to sources, residents of Parida Sahi had arranged for a DJ on Tuesday to accompany the ‘Kumbha Buda’ ceremony, a customary ritual during Holi and Dol Purnima which invo
lves filling pitchers (Kumbha) with water for ceremonial purposes. However, villagers from the neighbouring Palei Sahi objected to the DJ travelling through their locality, sparking initial friction. Tensions simmered overnight and escalated in a full-blown clash on Wednesday when youths from Parida Sahi continued playing Holi with the DJ music blaring, with both sides pelting stones, engaging in physical assaults, and counter-attacks.
On being informed, Tihidi police arrived at the scene accompanied by two platoons of force and brought the situation under control. A total of 12 people suffered injuries in the melee. The three seriously injured were shifted to the district headquarters hospital here for medical care.
There is heavy police deployment in the village to prevent any further flare-ups.