Bhubaneswar: A violent clash broke out between two groups during a religious ceremony at the Tulasipur village in Kendrapara Monday, leaving 15 people injured. The violence broke out over the holding of a Ashta Prahari Naam Yajna, officials of the Marshaghai police station said.
“One group was in favour of holding the Yajna, while the other was against it. Initially, there was an argument, followed by a clash. People from both sides were injured. Five among them are serious and have been shifted to the Kendrapara District Headquarters Hospital and the SCB Medical College, Cuttack,” an official said.
However, according to one of the injured, there was no argument. Those opposing the ritual allegedly attacked without any provocation. “I was preparing for the event when somebody attacked me on the head with an iron rod. He came from behind. There was no warning,” he claimed.
FIRs have been registered by both sides and the police have intensified patrolling in the village to prevent any further violence. The situation is now under control, said Tapan Nayak, inspector-in-charge, Marshaghai police station.
