At least 11 people were injured, six of them critically, in a violent clash between two groups in Odisha’s Jajpur district, police officials said. The incident occurred on Wednesday night in Bulakipur village under the Jajpur Sadar police station area and was reportedly triggered by a dispute over the construction of a Bhagabata Tungi, a traditional socio-religious community centre where villagers gather for religious discussions and cultural activities.
According to police, the Odisha Culture Department had sanctioned funds for the construction of the Bhagabata Tungi in the village. However, disagreements emerged among residents regarding the location of the proposed structure. One section of villagers wanted the centre to be built in the middle of the village, while another group opposed the selected site and demanded an alternative location.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday evening when members of one group reportedly began laying the foundation for the structure. As construction work commenced, members of the opposing group arrived at the site and objected. What started as a verbal argument soon turned violent, with both sides allegedly attacking each other using sharp weapons and crude bombs. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the confrontation spread through the area.
All 11 injured villagers were initially taken to a nearby medical facility. However, six of them were later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital after their condition deteriorated. Doctors are closely monitoring the critically injured victims, while the remaining individuals are receiving treatment for less severe injuries.
Police personnel rushed to the village soon after receiving information about the clash and managed to bring the situation under control. To prevent any further violence, authorities have deployed two platoons of police personnel in and around Bulakipur village. Security has been tightened, and officers are maintaining a round-the-clock vigil in the area.
Jajpur Town SDPO Prasant Kumar Majhi said that the situation is currently under control, though tensions remain high. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are examining the circumstances that led to the violence. Authorities are also identifying those involved in the attack and assessing whether criminal charges should be filed against individuals from either group.
The incident has raised concerns about growing local disputes turning violent in rural areas. Residents have appealed for peace and urged authorities to facilitate dialogue between the two sides so that the construction project can proceed without further conflict.
