The Hindu : Two killed in clash during procession

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 13, 2003

National

National

Two killed in clash during procession

By Our Staff Reporter

BHUBANESWAR APRIL 12. Two persons were killed and six injured in police firing following a clash between two communities during a Ram Navami procession in Rajgangpur town of Orissa's Sundargarh district late yesterday night.

The incident took place when a procession carrying the idol of Lord Hanuman was passing through the Bhatapada Road locality of the town.

Of the eight persons who sustained bullet injuries, one died last night and another succumbed to his injuries at the Ispat General Hospital in Rourkela today.

Police resorted to firing after failing to control the stone-pelting crowd, many of whom belonged to the majority community.

Reports that some miscreants had pelted stones at the Hanuman idol resulted in members of the two communities resorting to brick batting.

Several administration officials and policemen were also injured.

Tension continued to prevail in the town till today evening even as the State Water Resources Minister, Mangala Kisan, visited the town and appealed to the people to maintain peace.

The Sundargarh District Collector, Mona Sharma, and the Superintendent of Police, Y.K. Jethwa, were camping in the town. A total of 17 persons have been arrested.

The Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, has announced ex-gratia of Rs. 1 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs. 10,000 for each for the injured.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National