Cricket match sparks violence in Dhenkanal
Bhubaneswar: A cricket match turned violent in Dhenkanal district’s Bedapada village on Sunday evening, leaving ten persons injured and causing widespread property damage.
Some of the injured were taken to Dhenkanal District headquarters hospital for treatment. One of the injured, who broke his leg in the clash, was later transferred to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar as his condition worsened.
The violence erupted after the final match of a cricket tournament, which drew a crowd of over 20,000 at the Bedapada Mini Stadium. In response, the Hindol sub-division administration imposed restrictions on gatherings under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) starting Monday. The situation remains tense as police continue to monitor the area following the unrest.
Sources indicate that one team, having won the match, was celebrating and preparing to burn firecrackers. However, the situation escalated when a team member riding a motorcycle with firecrackers was confronted by the opposing team, who attacked him and prevented him from bringing the bike onto the field. This confrontation quickly spiralled into a full-scale clash.
Both groups involved in the altercation proceeded to vandalize homes and shops in the village, causing significant property damage. Many villagers fled their homes, fearing more clashes and police arrests.
Swarnalata Sahu, sub-inspector of Rasol Police Station, told TOI, “A total of 32 people from both groups have been arrested, and two platoons of police forces have been deployed. The situation is now under control.”
Some of the injured were taken to Dhenkanal District headquarters hospital for treatment. One of the injured, who broke his leg in the clash, was later transferred to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar as his condition worsened.
The violence erupted after the final match of a cricket tournament, which drew a crowd of over 20,000 at the Bedapada Mini Stadium. In response, the Hindol sub-division administration imposed restrictions on gatherings under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) starting Monday. The situation remains tense as police continue to monitor the area following the unrest.
Sources indicate that one team, having won the match, was celebrating and preparing to burn firecrackers. However, the situation escalated when a team member riding a motorcycle with firecrackers was confronted by the opposing team, who attacked him and prevented him from bringing the bike onto the field. This confrontation quickly spiralled into a full-scale clash.
Both groups involved in the altercation proceeded to vandalize homes and shops in the village, causing significant property damage. Many villagers fled their homes, fearing more clashes and police arrests.
Swarnalata Sahu, sub-inspector of Rasol Police Station, told TOI, “A total of 32 people from both groups have been arrested, and two platoons of police forces have been deployed. The situation is now under control.”
