Rayagada Clash Over Nikhil Murder Case Leaves Three Injured

Rayagada: Fresh violence erupted in Rayagada town on Friday night as rival groups clashed near the Rayagada police station in connection with the recent Nikhil murder case, leaving three persons seriously injured.

According to reports, the clash broke out between youths of Pitla Sahi and Relli Sahi, leading to heavy stone pelting and physical assault in front of the police station.

The incident reportedly began after some youths from Pitla Sahi allegedly entered Relli Sahi and misbehaved with local youths using abusive language. Following the incident, residents of Pitla Sahi reached the Rayagada police station to lodge a complaint.

However, tensions escalated after some youths from Relli Sahi also arrived at the spot and allegedly created a ruckus. The situation soon turned violent as members from both sides engaged in a group clash and hurled stones at each other, creating panic in the area.

Three persons sustained serious injuries in the violence. The injured were identified as Annamajhi Yakka and Trinath Meleka of Pitla Sahi, and Shundi Suraj of Relli Sahi. All three were rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

Following the clash, tension continued to prevail in the town. Heavy police deployment has been made in and around the police station to prevent any further untoward incident.

Senior police officials, including ASP Ramendra Kumar, SDPO Gaurahari Sahu and IIC Prasanna Behera, are monitoring the situation at the spot. Additional police personnel from nearby stations have also been deployed to maintain law and order.

Police sources said the latest violence is linked to the murder of Nikhil on May 9. He was allegedly chased and shot dead due to old rivalry and a dispute related to a gambling den loot case.

In connection with the murder case, police have so far arrested nine persons, while investigations revealed that as many as 21 individuals were allegedly involved in the crime.