Four Critically Injured in Group Clash in Balasore’s Baliapal

Balasore: Tension gripped Kuhlachhada village under Baliapal police limits in Odisha’s Balasore district after a violent clash between two families left four people critically injured on Sunday evening.

Preliminary investigation suggests that long-standing rivalry between the families of Fazlu Khan and Sheikh Lalu escalated into violence following an exchange of verbal comments. What began as an argument over a minor issue quickly spiralled into a physical confrontation.

According to reports, members of both sides allegedly attacked each other with sharp weapons, causing serious injuries. The wounded were first taken to the Baliapal Community Health Centre. As their condition worsened, they were later shifted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for advanced treatment.

One of the injured women alleged that the attack took place while they were on their way to a hospital. “We were taking a family member for delivery in an auto when a group of 10–15 people stopped us. They dragged the driver out and attacked us with sharp weapons. We were not even allowed to go to the hospital,” she said.

Another injured person claimed that the dispute erupted suddenly. “My wife is eight months pregnant. We were taking her to the hospital when one of the attackers, who is my relative, started abusing us. When I responded, the scuffle escalated,” he said.

Police sources said the clash stemmed from an exchange of comments amid a long-standing feud between the two families. On receiving information, Baliapal police rushed to the spot and have launched an investigation.

Further details are awaited as the probe continues.