Khurda: Tension prevailed in Baghamari area of Odisha’s Khurda district on Wednesday following fresh clashes between the residents of two villages, leaving several people injured.
As per information, clashes broke out between residents of Ostapur and Kotapalla villages on under the jurisdiction of Baghamari police station on Tuesday night over a long-standing border dispute.
Sources said heavy stone-pelting and vandalism were reported from both sides, leaving several people injured and causing extensive damage to property. Several shops and roadside stalls were set on fire during the violence.
The fresh violence comes weeks after Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which had been in place for nearly three months to prevent hostilities, was lifted. The prohibitory orders had been imposed earlier to curb repeated disputes over village boundaries.
Locals said fresh trouble erupted following a minor altercation regarding the naming of a local bus stand, claimed by both villages. Following the argument, groups from both sides resorted to throwing stones and setting vehicles and stalls ablaze.
While the exact number of injured is yet to be ascertained, police personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information and have begun a thorough investigation.
Police have appealed to residents to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement to prevent further escalation. Adequate police force has been deployed in the area to prevent any further escalation.
