Rayagada: Rayagada town once again witnessed high tension and violence linked to the recent Nikhil murder case, as rival groups clashed violently in front of the Rayagada police station on Friday night.
As per reports, three persons were seriously injured in the incident involving stone pelting and physical assault. The clash occurred between youths from Pitla Sahi and Relli Sahi.
According to reports, some youths from Pitla Sahi entered Relli Sahi and allegedly misbehaved with local youths using abusive language. In response, residents of Pitla Sahi lodged a complaint at the Rayagada police station. However, during this time, some youths from Relli Sahi reached the spot and allegedly created a ruckus. The situation soon escalated into a full-scale group clash between the two communities. Both sides indulged in heavy stone pelting in front of the police station, turning the area into a battlefield. Three persons sustained serious injuries in the violence. The injured have been identified as Annamajhi Yakka, Trinath Meleka from Pitla Sahi and Shundi Suraj from Relli Sahi. All three were rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
Following the incident, the situation in the town remains highly tense. Heavy police forces have been deployed in front of the police station to maintain law and order. Senior officers, including ASP Ramendra Kumar, SDPO Gaurahari Sahu, and IIC Prasanna Behera, are present at the spot. Additional officers from nearby police stations have also been called in.
This fresh outbreak of violence is directly linked to the murder of Nikhil, which took place on May 9. Nikhil was chased and shot dead allegedly over old enmity and a dispute related to a gambling den loot.
In connection with that case, the police had arrested 9 persons, while stating that a total of 21 persons were involved.
