Dhenkanal, Nov 5 (UDN): Tension gripped Dhenkanal on Wednesday night after a dispute between police and members of the public during the Gajalakshmi idol immersion procession allegedly escalated into a lathi-charge, leaving several people, including two children and women, injured.
Representational Image
The incident occurred during the immersion procession organised by the Milita Bazar Puja Committee, as hundreds of people gathered along the roads to witness the idols being taken from Kanchan Bazar towards Bajichowk.
According to reports, disagreements arose after the immersion process fell behind schedule. The first idol was supposed to be immersed at around 8 pm, but delays reportedly affected the schedule for the remaining idols, extending the procession beyond the stipulated time.
Police personnel subsequently took charge of the arrangements and reportedly attempted to speed up the immersion process. This allegedly triggered resentment among some puja committee members, who objected to the police intervention. They also alleged that the DJ systems accompanying the procession had been switched off, although the music was later resumed.
The situation reportedly deteriorated when the procession began moving at a slower pace. Police allegedly resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse or control the crowd, resulting in injuries to several people.
Children and Women Reportedly Injured
Among those reportedly injured were two children, women, members of the market committee and workers carrying lights during the procession.
Some local residents also alleged that police personnel entered nearby houses and assaulted people. They claimed to possess CCTV footage of the alleged incidents and said they would make it public.
As tensions mounted, the president and other members of the Dhenkanal Bar Association reached the spot.
Police Yet to Respond to Allegations
The incident has triggered concerns and allegations over the handling of the immersion procession and the alleged use of force against members of the public.
However, the Dhenkanal Superintendent of Police declined to comment on camera when approached about the incident.
The circumstances leading to the confrontation, the extent of injuries and the allegations made by local residents have not been independently established.