Dhenkanal, Odisha: Tension erupted in Dhenkanal town during the Dhenkanal Gajalaxmi immersion procession after a clash broke out between police personnel and members of the public. Several people, including two children, were reportedly injured in a police lathi-charge during the incident.
The incident took place on Wednesday night, November 4, during the joint idol immersion procession organised by the Milita Bazar Puja Committee. What was expected to be a festive farewell to Goddess Gajalaxmi turned tense as a large crowd gathered along the procession route.
The crowd had gathered on both sides of the road to watch the decorated idols pass through the town. The procession was moving from Kanchan Bazar towards Baji Chowk, attracting hundreds of spectators.
According to the available information, the situation deteriorated after 11 PM. The gathering turned tense, and a confrontation between police personnel and members of the public disrupted the immersion procession.
Children Among Those Injured in Police Lathi-Charge
The police reportedly resorted to a lathi-charge to control the situation and disperse the crowd. Several people sustained injuries during the incident, including two children.
The incident has raised concerns among residents, particularly because the procession was attended by a large number of people, including families and children.
However, the exact number of injured people, their medical condition and the circumstances that led to the confrontation have not yet been established from the available information.
Joint Immersion Procession Marks Festival’s Conclusion
The joint immersion procession marked the conclusion of this year’s Gajalaxmi Puja celebrations in Dhenkanal.
The town had witnessed extensive preparations for the 10-day festival, with Goddess Gajalaxmi worshipped at 41 mandaps. Authorities had also arranged additional police deployment to manage the large crowds and maintain law and order during the celebrations.
The incident during the immersion procession, however, overshadowed the festive atmosphere and brought attention to the challenges of managing large public gatherings.
Further details regarding the cause of the confrontation, the injured persons and any police action remain awaited.
The Dhenkanal Gajalaxmi immersion incident has left residents concerned, particularly over the reported injuries to children during an occasion that was meant to conclude the festival peacefully.
