Bhubaneswar, Sep 21: Tension prevailed in Ghatikia area under Bharatpur police limits in Bhubaneswar during the festive season after a dispute over a Facebook Live video escalated into a violent clash, leaving at least five persons seriously injured.

According to preliminary information, a youth had reportedly gone live on Facebook a day earlier while discussing a case and allegedly made caste-related remarks. The video subsequently went viral on social media, triggering resentment among members of another group.

Following the circulation of the video, some members of the other side reportedly reached Ghatikia, where a large number of youths had gathered near a pandal for an immersion ceremony. An argument reportedly broke out between the two groups over the contents of the Facebook Live video.

The dispute soon escalated into a physical clash, with several persons allegedly being assaulted near the pandal. According to reports, some outsiders who arrived at the spot allegedly fired two blank rounds and attacked several youths.

Five people sustained serious injuries in the incident and were subsequently shifted to a nearby private medical facility for treatment. The incident created tension in the locality, prompting police intervention.

Police have launched an investigation into the violence. Officers have reportedly collected and seized CCTV footage from the area to identify those involved in the clash and establish the sequence of events.

A manhunt is underway to trace and apprehend the accused persons. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

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