Sec 144 Imposed In Joda Town After Groups Clash In Odisha’s Keonjhar

Keonjhar: The Joda administration clamped Section 144 in the town after a communal clash erupted between two groups on Monday evening.

According to preliminary reports, the clash was over taking out a procession with Lord Hanuman flags to the deity’s temple as part of Ram Navami celebrations. Police first denied permission but later allowed a small group to take the flags. But, subsequently this permission was also withdrawn anticipating law and order situation.

Aggrieved over the dilly-dallying attitude of the police, some members of Hindu community started the procession with the flags only to be stopped  mid-way by members of a minority community. This flared up the situation.

A clash erupted between members of both the communities with either sides hurling stones and bottles at each other. Police and local administration rushed to the spot and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mob.

As the situation was out of control, the Keonjhar district administration imposed Section 144 in Joda town till 6 am of Tuesday.

Security in and around Joda town has been fortified to avert further tension in the area.