Odisha Violence: On Wednesday evening, violence erupted during the Hanuman Jayanti rally in Sambalpur, leaving more than 10 police personnel injured, including the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Sambalpur and the IIC of Dhanupali Police Station.
Let us tell you that Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated in Odisha on the day of Maha Vishuva Sankranti, which is on April 14 this year.
Several two-wheelers and one temporary business were set on fire, and several cars were also destroyed during the incident.
At crucial locations in the city, an appropriate force deployment has been deployed, Additional SP Tapan K Mohanty told reporters.
In the western Odisha town, a bike rally was held to commemorate Hanuman Jayanti. However, some Muslim miscreants are accused of throwing stones at the gathering, sparking a fight between the two groups.
According to early accounts, the violence started when stones were hurled at a protest in which over 1000 motorcyclists were taking part as they passed through the city neighbourhoods of Bhudapara and Sunapli within the jurisdiction of the Dhanupali police station.
As per police reports, miscreants threw stones at a bike rally that had started from Dhanupali Police Station Chhak and was passing through Motijharan Chhak, resulting in a clash between two groups.
The administration dispersed the Hanuman Jayanti Coordination Committee-organized rally. The officer stated that more force is being deployed at the scene of the conflict.
The official said that only a probe would reveal the exact reason behind the violence.
There were also complaints of vandalism and arson in the region. During the clash, a store was set on fire. Several vehicles parked along the road were also vandalised and plundered with stones and sticks.
According to sources, police had to use moderate lathi-charge to disperse the mob at District School Chhak.
Later, the administration imposed Section 144 throughout Sambalpur, including the Town Police Station, Dhanupali Police Station, Khetrajpur Police Station, Ainthapali Police Station, Bareipali Police Station, and Sadar Police Station.
In response to the communal tension that arose during a Hanuman Jayanti rally, the Odisha government has taken measures to shut down internet services and block social media platforms in Sambalpur district for 48 hours starting from 10 a.m. on Thursday.
