Group Clash Leaves Over 20 Injured In Bhubaneswar’s Patia

Bhubaneswar: In less than two months, Padmakesharpur in Patia area of Odisha capital again witnessed a group clash, which left more than 20 people injured in the early hours of Friday.

According to sources, the clash broke out between two wards of Padmakesharpur, which have been at loggerheads since the last Panchayat elections, around 2 am and residents pelted stones and bottles at each other, turning the area into a battlefield. It continued till 6 this morning till Mancheswar police intervened.

Two platoons of police force have been deployed there to prevent further flare-ups. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have been clamped in the area.

On September 1, a similar group clash had taken place at Padmakesharpur, in which over 10 persons, including two children, sustained critical injures. Police had then arrested around 12 persons. A peace committee was also formed to resolve the dispute with dialogue, but in vain.

Speaking to the media later, Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh said that steps are being taken to ensure that peace returns to the village. “A case has been registered in connection with the clash and strict action will be initiated against the culprits,” he added.