Religious Rally Turns Violent in Sambalpur; Over 32 Arrested

Sambalpur: The Odisha Police arrested over 32 people in connection with the communal violence that erupted during a religious rally taken out in Sambalpur town on Wednesday. The rally was taken out to mark Hanuman Jayanti.

As many as 10 people including on-duty police personnel sustained injuries in the violence. As tension escalated, the district administration imposed Section 144 in the city for 48 hours.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Dhanupalli police IIC and other police personnel were injured critically in the stone pelting. The irate mob also torched a shop and destroyed vehicles including bikes and cars. In order to drive away the rioters, the police have also resorted to mild lathi-charge.

Critically injured IIC Anita Pradhan has been shifted to Burla for treatment. Stones were pelted at the police while the bike rally was going from Dhanupali Road today. Angry mob set afire shops and smashed cars and bikes. Police forces have been deployed at the spot apprehending further untoward incidents. Additional forces have been also mobilized in Muslim-dominated areas like Bhutpada, Motijharan, and Sunapali.