Sundargarh: Tension flared in the Regent Market area under Sundargarh Town Police Station on Thursday following a clash between two communities over an alleged issue related to beef. The situation turned violent, with incidents of stone pelting and sword attacks reported, leaving at least 12 people injured, including four police personnel.
According to reports, the unrest was triggered by a rumour alleging that members of a specific community were keeping beef. The rumour quickly escalated into a confrontation between the two groups, resulting in violence in the busy market area.
Upon receiving information, police rushed to the spot and surrounded both groups, bringing the clashes under control. Following police intervention, the stone pelting and violence came to a halt.
Senior district and police officials, including the Western Range DIG, Sundargarh SP, Additional District Magistrate, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, arrived at the scene to assess the situation and pacify the agitated groups. Their presence helped prevent further escalation.
To maintain law and order, the administration has imposed Section 163 of the BNS in the Regent Market area and surrounding localities within a 1-kilometre radius. Security has been tightened, and police personnel remain deployed in the area to prevent any fresh incidents.
Police authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours, and cooperate with the administration to restore normalcy.
