Jharpada Durga Puja row intensifies over ceremonial arch construction

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Bhubaneswar: Tension has resurfaced in Jharpada over a dispute between two Durga Puja committee factions, this time concerning the construction of a ceremonial arch, or toran, on the road.

According to the old Jharpada Durga Puja Committee, police stopped the construction following objections from the rival committee.

The committee has opposed the decision and alleged that the Laxmisagar police station in-charge acted under pressure from the other faction.

These allegations have not been independently established.

Bhubaneswar-Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena visited the spot after tension escalated and took stock of the situation.

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He later apprised the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the dispute and said the DCP assured him the matter would be resolved soon.

The committee has meanwhile warned that it will launch a protest if the issue is not resolved. Police have been monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.

The dispute comes amid an ongoing division between Jharpada’s Durga Puja organisers.

Last year, rival factions held separate celebrations following a prolonged dispute over the management of the puja committee.

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