Khordha: Tensions escalated late Tuesday night in Khordha district as fresh clashes broke out between residents of Ostapur and Kotapalla villages over a long-standing border dispute.
As of Wednesday morning, heavy stone-pelting and vandalism were reported from both sides, leaving several people injured and causing extensive damage to property. Several shops and roadside stalls were set on fire during the violence.
The fresh outbreak comes just weeks after Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which had been in place for nearly three months to prevent hostilities, was lifted. The prohibitory order had been imposed earlier to curb repeated disputes over village boundaries.
According to reports, the violence was triggered by a minor altercation regarding the naming of a local bus stand, claimed by both villages. Following the argument, groups from both sides resorted to throwing stones and setting vehicles and stalls ablaze. Visuals from early Wednesday showed burning tyres and debris scattered along the connecting road.
The exact number of injured is yet to be confirmed. Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and have begun a thorough investigation.
Police have appealed to residents to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement to prevent further escalation.
