10 people injured as violence erupts during Hanuman Jayanti rally in Odisha

By Suresh Das

Sambalpur,April 13: At least 10 police personnel, including the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), of Sambalpur and an inspector, were injured in violence that erupted during the Hanuman Jayanti rally in Sambalpur on Wednesday evening.

As per reports, a bike rally was held to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti in the western Odisha town when some miscreants allegedly pelted stones at the rally stoking a clash between two groups.

 Sources said, the bike rally started from Dhanupali Police Station Chhak and was crossing Motijharan Chhak when the stones were allegedly hurled at them.

There were reports of vandalism and arson in the area as well. A shop was set on fire during the clash. Moreover, several vehicles parked on the roadside were vandalised and ransacked with stones and sticks. Keeping the tense situation in mind, huge police deployment was done in the area.

Sources informed that the police had to resort to mild lathi-charge at Zilla School Chhak to disperse the mob.

Later, the administration clamped prohibitory order under Section 144 in entire area of Town Police Station, Dhanupali Police Station, Khetrajpur Police Station, Ainthapali Police Station, Bareipali Police Station and Sadar Police Station in Sambalpur.