Seven hurt in clash in Ganjam

BERHAMPUR: At least seven persons sustained injuries in a clash between supporters of BJD and BJP at Haladiapadar in Ganjam district on Friday night.
Four of them are undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital here. Their condition is stated to be stable, police said.
The clash happened over some dispute over non-payment of fine allegedly imposed by the village committee after some persons defied its decision on polling day on May 13, said SP (Berhampur) Sarthak Sarangi.
Haladiapadar is under Badapur panchayat in Chikiti assembly constituency.
"The situation is under control. A section of police force has been deployed in the village. Patrolling has been intensified," said Sarangi, who visited Haladiapadar on Saturday to assess the situation and to ascertain what led to the clash. He said they have detained four persons for interrogation.
Manoranjan Dyan Samantara, BJP candidate from Chikiti, claimed all the injured persons were supporters of his party. "BJD workers attacked them with iron rods and sharp-edged weapons," he alleged and demanded the arrest of all persons involved in the incident.
Ganjam police arrested 16 more persons on Friday in a special drive against anti-social elements.