Violence Erupts in Rourkela Market, 12 Injured in Community Clash
Tension flared in a market in Rourkela, located in Odisha's Sundargarh district, on Thursday. A clash between two communities led to stone pelting and violence, resulting in injuries to at least twelve people. Among the injured was a policeman who was caught in the fray.
Administration Imposes Strict Measures
The local administration responded swiftly to the unrest. They imposed prohibitory orders across the entire Sundargarh district to prevent further escalation. In a significant move, internet services were suspended for twenty-four hours, starting from 6 pm on Thursday.
Schools and colleges in the area were declared closed on Friday as a precautionary measure. This decision aimed to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the volatile situation.
Rumors Spark Violent Outbreak
The incident began around 11 am when rumors started circulating in the market. These rumors suggested that members of one community were involved in some wrongdoing. An agitated group, fueled by these rumors, took matters into their own hands.
They vandalized a shop, set a pickup van on fire, and damaged a car and a scooter. As tempers flared, a violent clash broke out between the two groups. Both sides pelted stones at each other, and in some instances, allegedly attacked with swords.
Injured Hospitalized, Officials Monitor Situation
All injured persons, including the policeman, were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Their conditions are being monitored closely by medical staff.
Abhimanyu Majhi, the Additional District Magistrate, stated that officials are present at the spot. He emphasized that they are actively monitoring the situation to restore peace and order in the area.
The authorities are working to investigate the root cause of the rumors and the subsequent violence. They aim to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
