Violent clashes broke out at Srijang Chhack in Balasore district between Bajrang supporters and alleged cow smugglers, leading to the vandalism of over ten vehicles and road blockades.
The confrontation, which began as a scuffle, escalated when armed individuals intervened, creating chaos in the area.
The incident reportedly started when locals attempted to stop a vehicle carrying cattle on Srijang Road, but the vehicle got stuck. A clash followed between the Bajrang supporters and the alleged smugglers. Reinforcements arrived within an hour, with more than 50 armed individuals using swords, vandalizing vehicles—including eight bikes and a car—and firing blank shots to intimidate residents. The alleged smugglers escaped with the vehicle loaded with cattle.
Aggrieved villagers accused the police of negligence, alleging delayed action despite being informed of the situation early. Residents claimed that certain police personnel were complicit, accepting bribes from smugglers and other illegal traders. The police, whose station is merely 10 kilometres away, took two hours to arrive at the scene.
Angry locals blocked the roads at Srijang Chhack, demanding compensation for the damage and swift action against those involved. They also expressed outrage over what they described as law enforcement’s failure to act promptly and transparently.
Senior police officials, including Additional SP Debajyoti Das and DSP Subhransu Shekhar Nayak, have since arrived to investigate the incident. Additional forces have been deployed to monitor the situation and restore order.
