Berhampur: Police have arrested 10 persons from two theatre groups following a violent clash during the staging of ‘Mahabharat’ at a festival in Ganjam district, officials said on Thursday.
Around a dozen people, including two police personnel, were injured in the incident that took place late on Wednesday night at Markandi under Golanthara police station limits.
According to police, members of two theatre troupes from Ramapalli and Gobindapur villages got into an argument while staging the play as part of the concluding celebrations of Thakurani Yatra.
The argument soon escalated into a violent clash, with members of both groups allegedly pelting stones and bricks at each other.
Police personnel deployed at the venue intervened to control the situation, but the groups allegedly attacked them as well.
“They also allegedly used crude bombs with the intention to harm police personnel,” a police officer said.
At least 12 people, including two police personnel, sustained injuries in the violence, police said.
Police seized remnants of crude bombs, stones, bricks, bamboo sticks and other materials allegedly used during the clash from the spot.
Berhampur Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M said the situation is now under control.
“Patrolling has been intensified and strict vigil is being maintained,” the SP said.
