Clash During Saraswati Puja Immersion in Paradip Leaves Seven Injured

Jagatsinghpur: Tension prevailed in Odisha’s Paradip town on Saturday night after a group clash erupted during a Saraswati Puja idol immersion procession, leaving seven youths injured. The violence reportedly broke out over the playing of DJ music during the procession.

The incident took place at Sandhakuda Basti when two local clubs came face to face while taking part in the immersion ceremony. Members of one club were moving with loud DJ music when youths from another group allegedly launched a sudden attack. The situation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in injuries to seven participants.

All the injured were first admitted to Biju Memorial Hospital in Atharabanki for treatment. Two of them sustained serious head injuries and were later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as their condition was said to be critical.

Police personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information about the clash. Considering the tense atmosphere, additional police forces were deployed in the area to prevent further escalation. A search operation has been launched to trace those involved in the attack, and raids are being carried out at different locations.

Though the exact cause of the violence is yet to be officially confirmed, police suspect the clash may be linked to previous disputes between the two groups. The incident has once again raised concerns over law and order in Paradip, with questions being raised about whether adequate security arrangements were in place during the immersion procession.