Baleshwar: At least 20 people were injured after violence erupted during a religious procession at Dargah Maidan area in Odisha’s Baleshwar, sparking tension in the city.
According to preliminary information, the incident took place late on Friday night after a verbal duel between two individuals escalated into a group clash during the religious procession.
Taking swift action, police personnel in strength have been deployed near the area for the programme brought the situation under control within a short time. Normalcy returned to the area by Saturday morning, sources said.
Police teams have been deployed at the spot as a precautionary measure. Those who sustained minor injuries were given first aid and discharged, while a few with serious injuries are still undergoing treatment at the Baleshwar District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).
Locals said a minor dispute between two Akhada groups suddenly escalated into a full-blown clash. Both sides pelted stones at each other, causing injuries to over 20 people from both groups.
An investigation into the incident is underway to ascertain the circumstances that led to the clash.
