Bhubaneswar, June 24: Tension flared outside the Block Office in Athagarh, Cuttack district, on Tuesday as a violent clash broke out between supporters of the BJD and BJP. The incident occurred ahead of a scheduled panchayat meeting, where Athagarh MLA was expected to participate.

Before the MLA’s arrival, workers from both political parties gathered outside the office, raising slogans and engaging in heated exchanges. The situation quickly escalated, with both sides resorting to physical confrontation, including pelting stones and eggs at each other.

In the chaos, four police personnel, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Athagarh, sustained injuries while trying to control the mob. The injured officers were rushed for treatment, and their condition is said to be stable.

To prevent further unrest, the administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the area. A large contingent of security personnel, including three platoons of police force, an Additional SP, two DSPs, and eight Inspectors-in-Charge (IICs), has been deployed to restore order and maintain peace. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have appealed for calm.

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