A heated confrontation between BJP and BJD workers turned violent at the Athagarh Block Office in Cuttack district, Odisha, ahead of a Panchayat Samiti meeting. The clash resulted in stone pelting, injuring two police personnel who were later admitted to Athagarh Medical College.
- Tensions Rise: The conflict began when BJP workers protested against MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain, leading to a heated exchange between the two groups.
- Stone Pelting: The situation escalated, with both sides engaging in stone pelting, causing injuries to police personnel and creating a chaotic atmosphere.
Reportedly, To restore order, three platoons of police force were deployed, and BNS Section 163 was imposed to control the situation.
Despite efforts by the Additional SP, DSPs, and magistrates to mediate, the situation remained volatile, prompting the police to resort to lathi charge to disperse the crowd.