Fresh Group Clash Fulminates in Joda

Kendujhar (Reporters Today Bureau): A fresh group clash erupted in Joda of Kendujhar district last night, leaving a boy injured. The two groups pelted stones at each other, following which a road blockade was staged at Saheed Nagar Chhak on Joda-Baneikala road. Besides, vehicles of police and Fire Services were also vandalised, reports said. To avoid any further untoward incident, as many as 16 platoons of police force have been deployed across the town. While imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC continues in the town, all educational institutions and shops have been closed.

The restriction will remain in force at least till 10 am of April 14. On the other hand, internet services will remain suspended in Keonjhar district for today. Notably, a violent clash took place between two groups in the town on Ram Navami on April 10. Sources said on the auspicious occasion, a group of people were preparing to take out an ‘Akhada’ procession to a Shiva temple in Ward-4 of Joda town. However, they were denied permission by police for the procession. Though they later approached the police to take out the procession with only five participants, the cops denied for the same.

Protesting this, the group sat on a dharna blocking the road. After a while, few of the protestors marched towards the temple carrying the flags. A clash erupted when another group of people intercepted them in the market area. The two groups pelted stones and hurled bottles at each other. More than 12 persons were injured in the incident.