Over 20 Injured as Rival Akhada Groups Clash During Muharram Procession in Balasore

Bhubaneswar: More than 20 people were injured after violence broke out between two Akhada groups during Muharram preparations in Odisha’s Balasore district late on Friday night.

The clash occurred in the Dargah Maidan area while a Muharram procession was in progress. According to preliminary reports, a minor altercation between members of the two groups quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.

The situation turned chaotic as both sides allegedly hurled stones and attacked each other with sticks, leaving several participants injured. The injured were rushed to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.

Police personnel from the Town Police Station reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident. The situation was brought under control, and additional security forces were deployed in the area to prevent any further unrest.

Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the clash. Further details are awaited as the probe continues.