Rourkela: Five persons, including three women and a child, were killed while four others sustained critical injuries in a clash between two nomadic groups near Karamdihi under Sadar police limits in Odisha’s Sundargarh late on Tuesday
The deceased have been identified as Chamma Bhosle (45), Subash Pawar (23), Charan Kumar (45), Kaila Kumar (35), and 12-year-old Dani Kuda.
According to sources, the violent confrontation took place between a group from Maharashtra’s Wardha district and another nomadic tribe that had been residing residing in Karamdihi and earning a livelihood by selling goods for the last several months. The conflict arose after wife of one Abinash Pawar, a member of the Wardha group, eloped with a man from the other nomadic group. It aggravated further when Pawar brought a woman from the opposing community into his household.
The other group allegedly launched a surprise attack on Avinash and his group around 11 pm while they were asleep, killing five persons. Avinash, a woman, and two other children were critically injured. The accused gang then fled with his second partner and two children.
On being informed, Western Range DIG Brajesh Ray along with Sundargarh SP and SDPO reached the spot. Forensic teams and a dog squad were also rushed to the village to collect evidence.
“Five persons including three women have been killed. The injured are currently undergoing treatment at district headquarters hospital. Preliminary probe revealed that four persons entered the village with sharp-edged weapons and attacked the group,” the DIG informed.
He further stated that neighbouring police districts have been alerted. “Jharsuguda and Sambalpur police are closely monitoring bus stands and railway stations. We will soon arrest the culprits,” he added.
While two teams of police have been formed to track down the accused, four platoons of police have been deployed in the area to prevent any further flare-up.