More than 20 people were injured after violence broke out during a religious festival procession in the Dargah Maidan area of Balasore late Friday night. Police quickly intervened, brought the situation under control, and deployed additional security personnel to prevent further unrest.
Officials said normalcy had returned to the area by Saturday morning, while an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the clash.
Verbal Dispute Escalates During Traditional ‘Badi Khela’
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred between 2 am and 3 am during a religious procession organised as part of a festival.
Participants were performing ‘Badi Khela’, Odisha’s traditional stick martial art, when a verbal argument reportedly broke out between two individuals over the performance.
The disagreement soon escalated, drawing more people into the confrontation and eventually leading to a clash involving members of two communities.
Stones and Sticks Used During Clash
Police said some miscreants allegedly attacked each other with sticks and pelted stones during the violence.
The clash left more than 20 people injured, creating panic in the locality.
Most of those who sustained minor injuries received first aid and were discharged. A few people with serious injuries are continuing to receive treatment at the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital.
Police Restore Order, Security Strengthened
Police personnel deployed for the festival procession immediately stepped in to control the situation before it spread further.
Additional police forces have been stationed in the area, and security arrangements have been strengthened as a precaution.
Officials said the situation remains peaceful, and authorities are closely monitoring the locality.
