Following the widespread violence at Nathapur village in the Brahmagiri area of Puri district on Sunday night, the district administration on Monday began efforts to restore normalcy.
Puri Collector Samarth Verma said that the ADM has rushed to the spot to hold discussions with the locals. “Though the situation is under control now, we still have put the area under strict watch,” he said.
SP Kanwar Vishal Singh said strict legal action has been initiated by the police against the perpetrators who have already been identified.
“As of now, our primary focus is to maintain law and order in the area. We are trying for a long term solution and we are hopeful that both parties will come to a consensus,” he added.
Meanwhile, an eerie silence prevailed at the Nathapur village which saw multiple bombings and torching of houses. Many unexploded bombs were found in the area and the male villagers were found absconding from the area to evade arrest by police.
As per reports, around 20 houses were gutted in a series of bombings at Nathapur over a Government land encroachment dispute on Sunday.
Sources said a group of people allegedly encroached upon a patch of land in 35 Mouza area. However, a local rival faction protested the move leading to the faceoff between the two groups.
A victim of the violence said a mob of around 500 persons from 35 Mouza area attacked and evicted them from their houses. They fled from the area fearing for their lives.