Bhubaneswar, Dec 15: Tension has gripped the Dharamshala Assembly constituency following a violent political clash that took place on Sunday, with both rival groups blaming each other for triggering the incident. The confrontation has led to protests by supporters of both the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the ruling party, escalating political unrest in the area.

On Monday, BJD workers led by former Dharamshala MLA Pranab Balabantray staged a sit-in protest in front of the DG camp office, demanding the immediate arrest of sitting MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahu. The protest stems from a clash that reportedly occurred at Balabantray’s farmhouse in Dharmasala, where BJD workers had gathered for a party meeting.

According to BJD leaders, supporters of MLA Sahu allegedly attacked party workers, including women, disrupting the meeting. The BJD has submitted a notice naming over 100 supporters of Sahu, accusing them of assault, abuse and misbehaviour with a woman during the incident.

Balabantray and his supporters continued their protest overnight, expressing a lack of faith in the district police. “We will not withdraw our agitation until the accused are arrested,” he said.

Meanwhile, supporters of MLA Sahu held a counter-protest in front of the Jenapur police station, alleging that Balabantray’s supporters initiated the violence. Police have registered complaints from both sides and said a detailed investigation is underway to establish the facts.

Powered by Froala Editor