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A screengrab from a video being widely shared online.
Odisha CM spoke to Balasore Collector on Monday and asked him to take immediate measures to bring the situation under control
A violent clash between two groups in the Patrapada area of Odisha’s Balasore district resulted in injuries to five people and the destruction of close to 20 vehicles.
The incident led the state authorities to impose a curfew and deploy additional 40 platoon security forces to prevent further violence. The police said curfew was clamped from midnight of June 17 to midnight of June 18.
Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar has been camping in the town. Police conducted a flag march in Balasore. About 30 persons have been arrested so far, police said.
“All entry points to the OT Road closed,” police said, adding that “No person shall leave their homes or shall move on foot, or by vehicle or travel except for emergency medical aid.” Balasore SP Sagarika Nath said, “Curfew has been clamped in Balasore municipality area. All commercial establishments and shops to remain closed.”
“Adequate police arrangements in the sensitive areas have been made and the situation is getting under control though some sporadic violence was reported in some places yesterday,” said a senior police officer. The district administration has also suspended internet service in certain sensitive areas of the town and urged people to stay in their homes and not to step out.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged for peace and directed the district collector to take necessary measures to control the situation. The clash started after a group of people sat on dharna in the Bhujakhia Pir area of the town on Monday protesting the blood of animal sacrifice on the road. The other group allegedly hurled stones at them, following which the clash broke out, police said.
(With agency inputs)
