Section 144 Imposed After Violence During Hanuman Jayanti In Sambalpur

Sambalpur: As many as 10 people including on-duty police personnel sustained injuries in violence that erupted during a bike rally For Hanuman Jayanti in Sambalpur.

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 mobilised in Muslim-dominated areas like Bhutpada, Motijharan and Sunapali.

Holy Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on April 14. Every year the festival is preceded by a flag hoisting and bike procession. A bike procession was carried out today while the violence took place.