Jajpur (Odisha), April 7 At least 20 people were injured, with eight in critical condition, in a clash between two groups of villagers over remarks made during a cultural event in Jajpur district, Odisha, police said on Tuesday.
According to police, residents of Kasaba village had organized a "pala," a traditional folk art form of entertainment, as part of their annual celebrations. Monday marked the concluding night of the three-day event.
Clashes erupted between rival groups from Bautra Sahi and Jia Sahi over remarks made during the performance, the police said.
"The situation quickly escalated as both groups began throwing stones and glass bottles, and attacked each other with sticks, resulting in injuries to more than 20 villagers," a police official said.
Local police went to the scene and brought the situation under control.
All the injured have been admitted to the Mangalpur Community Health Centre for treatment, the officer added.
Jajpur Town Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Prasant Kumar Majhi said the clash stemmed from "previous animosity between the residents of the two streets."
He said, "Around 20 people sustained injuries. Upon being informed, we rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Adequate police force has been deployed to prevent further escalation."
Two separate cases have been registered in connection with the incident, police said.