5 Injured In Group Clash, Sec 144 Clamped In Odisha’s Balasore; CM Calls For Peace

Balasore: At least five people were injured in a clash between two groups in Patrapada locality of Odisha’s Balasore town on Monday, prompting the authorities to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC.

Taking a strong view of the violent incident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke to the district collector of Balasore and directed him to take concrete steps to bring the situation under control, official sources said.

Asserting that law and order will not be allowed to be disturbed at any cost, the CM appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and discipline. He stressed that Odisha is a peace-loving state.

Sources said violence broke out on Chandipur-Balasore road near Patrapada as both groups indulged in stone-pelting, causing injuries to at least five persons, including a police official.

Around 20 vehicles were damaged in the incident as both the groups fought a pitched battle.
In view of the situation, the authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in areas between Pir Bazaar and Patrapada under Town Police limits, police said.

As per sources, trouble began after someone spotted red colour liquid object, which resembled blood, flowing along the road near Patrapada. Suspecting it to be blood, some people staged a protest near Patrapada Chhak. Another group objected to the act and started throwing stones at the protesters.

While five people were injured in the clash that ensued, around 20 vehicles suffered extensive damage in the incident. Vehicular movement on the route was also severely disrupted.

As tension prevailed in the area, police personnel in strength have been deployed in the locality to prevent any further flare up.