2 killed, 17 injured in police firing in Ganjam

BRAHMAPUR: Two persons were killed and more than seventeen persons were injured, five critically, in police firing at Phasipada village under Kodala police station in Ganjam district about 41 km from here. The pitched battle started when the angry mob attacked the police force by throwing bombs and stones and to disperse the mob, the police started firing following tear gas firing, police sources said.

The two deceased persons were identified as Purna Chandra Pala and Rabi Pala from the village. They were rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital here, where they were declared brought dead. Sixteen other persons including women were under treatment in the hospital from which the conditions of five persons were critical. One person referred to the SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack, informed Ganjam Collector Dr Krishan Kumar to The Pioneer.

“While they were returning after rescuing four persons including a woman from the clutches of the villagers, the unfortunate incident happened,” said Ganjam Superintendent of Police Rajesh Pandit.

According to the sources, the villagers had started a ritual in the village to pick out the persons, allegedly practicing sorcery, by using cot technique. Suspecting sorcery practice, the villagers picked out four persons Bhima Nahak, Banamali Nahak, Trinath Nahak and a woman Godhi Pal. The villagers tortured and tonsured four persons accusing them of practicing sorcery. They were fed human excreta in front of the villagers. One of the victims Bhima Nahak escaped on Friday night and informed the police about the incident.

Based on the victim Bhima’s FIR, the police on Sunday noon reached the village and started rescuing the four, but the villagers did not allow the police officials. Then the clash between the police officials and villagers started and continued for two hours. To control the angry mob, the police force and the ODRAF team started tear gas firing and later when the mob threw bombs, the police force fired at the angry mob, alleged police officials.

Southern Range DIG RK Sharma, SP Rajesh Pandit and Collector Dr Krishan Kumar were rushed to the spot and have taken the stock of the situation. Four platoons of police force have been deployed in the tension area of the village to keep eye on the simmering tension. Situation is under control, police sources said.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik described the killing of two persons in police firing in Kodala as unfortunate and termed tonsuring of four persons at Phasipada village as barbaric and tragic incident. ““I’m shocked in the truly barbaric act and the firing in Kodala is unfortunate. The situation is under control,” said Patnaik.