Dhenkanal: 20 including 2 kids Injured in Police Lathicharge During Gajalaxmi Puja Immersion, Watch

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Dhenkanal: More than 20 people, including two children, were reportedly injured in an alleged police lathicharge during the Gajalaxmi Puja idol immersion procession in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Wednesday night.

According to reports, police allegedly resorted to lathicharge near Kanchan Bazaar and Bajichowk in Dhenkanal town while the immersion procession was underway. Locals alleged that police personnel used batons and pipes to assault people gathered along the procession route.

The incident reportedly occurred after 11 pm when hundreds of people had assembled along the main road between Kanchan Bazaar and Bajichowk to witness the grand immersion procession organised by the Joint Bazaar Puja Committee.

It is alleged that the police resorted to lathicharge after the procession was slightly delayed beyond its scheduled time.

Several people, including women, children, puja committee members and labourers engaged in carrying decorative lights, were allegedly beaten by police personnel. More than 20 people reportedly sustained injuries, with some suffering bleeding wounds.

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Dhenkanal Superintendent of Police Ajinkya B. Mane was reportedly present at the spot when the incident occurred.

The alleged police action triggered tension in the area, with locals expressing strong resentment and accusing the police of using excessive force against people participating in or watching the religious procession.

Meanwhile, Dhenkanal SP Ajinkya B. Mane has not issued any statement regarding the allegations so far.

Watch the video here:

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