Group clash erupts after cricket match in Dhenkanal district, 2 injured
Dhenkanal: In a shocking incident, a group clash reportedly erupted after a cricket match at Bedapada village in Hindol area of Dhenkanal district leaving at least two youths injured yesterday.
Sources said that the final match of the 14th All India Subash Memorial Cricket Tournament-2025 was held at the Mini Stadium in Bedapada village on Sunday. As claimed by the organizers, over 20,0000 people had gathered in the stadium to see the match.
However, a heated argument erupted between two groups of the village, the higher caste and lower caste, informed the sources adding that the exchange of words between them began as some people of the lower caste tried to enter the Bedapada Mini Stadium which was protested by the people of higher caste. The situation somehow was managed by the organisers.
However, after the match was over and prizes were distributed, the people belonging to the lower caste questioned the higher caste for not being allowed to enter the stadium. Angry over the questions of the lower caste people, some youths of the higher caste allegedly attacked the former physically leaving at least two of them injured. The group clash was so intense that both the groups went on a rampage and vandalized each other’s houses and shops.
Both the injured persons were rushed to the Dhenkanal District Headquarter Hospital for treatment. Later, one of them, identified as Rakesh Pradida, was shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after his condition deteriorated.
On being informed about the group fight, a team of cops from the Rasol Police station rushed to the spot and started an investigation by detaining some members of both the groups at an undisclosed place for interrogation. Besides, three platoons of police forces were deployed to maintain law and order in the locality.
Meanwhile, several people have left the village fearing further occurrence of group clash and action by the police. On the other hand, efforts by the local administration and police is underway to restore normalcy in the village.
