Paralakhemundi: Police in Odisha’s Gajapati district have arrested eight individuals in connection with the vandalism and attack on the residence of a local BJP leader at Chandiput village under Mohana police station limits.
The arrests followed a violent group clash between two communities on Monday evening.
According to sources, trouble began when more than a hundred youths from a neighbouring village, armed with sticks and sharp weapons, attacked residents of a specific community at Chandiput bazaar and damaged several vehicles. When locals resisted and confronted the assailants, the situation quickly escalated in
to a larger group confrontation, resulting in injuries to at least 10 people. The injured were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
During the chaos, the home of a local BJP leader, Shibaram Suar, was targeted and vandalised.
Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.
According to police sources, the clash stemmed from a recent dispute between the involved parties. Two separate FIRs were registered and 10 persons from both sides were initially detained for questioning, leading to the arrest of eight specifically for the attack on the BJP leader.
Gajapati SP Jatindra Kumar Panda earlier told the media that they had assessed the situation on the ground and there was no need for prohibitory orders. However, four platoons of police forces have been deployed and regular police patrols have been intensified to prevent further flare-ups.
Both police and district administration officials emphasised that efforts are being made to bring lasting peace and harmony to the region.