Two platoons of police force were deployed in the Basta area of Baleswar district on Monday after tension prevailed since morning following a clash between two groups belonging to two different communities.
The incident originated during purchase of train tickets at the Basta railway station. A person tried to buy his ticket after breaking the queue. This led to an altercation, followed by a scuffle between the person and others in the queue.
As the news spread, people belonging to either group came on the street, and in the melee about six persons from both groups were injured including two of them seriously.
The demonstrators belonging to particular group picketed on the road by burning tyres.
On information, senior district-level offers, including the Collector and the SP rushed to the spot. Both Collector Pramod Das and SP Niti Sekhar began camping at Basta and supervising the law and order situation.
Inspector-in-Charge of Basta police station Dhaneswar Sahoo said, “Four persons belonging to both communities have been detained. Two persons were seriously injured in the scuffle. Two platoons of force are deployed. The situation is under control.”
Another senior police officer said vigil has been stepped up in the area with the movement of people being monitored.
The district Collector said, “The situation was brought under control. The incident occurred over a minor issue. All steps are being taken to prevent deterioration of the law and order situation. Further, a block-level peace committee involving people of both communities of the locality has been convened. Appeals have been made to maintain peace in the area.”