30 houses set ablaze in Balangir clash MONDAY, 23 JANUARY 2012 22:05 SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR HITS: 4 User Rating: / 0

30 houses set ablaze in Balangir clash
MONDAY, 23 JANUARY 2012 22:05 SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR HITS: 4
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In a shocking fallout of a personal flare-up between two youth at a dress shop over price, a group of OBC youth set ablaze the houses of SCs at the Lathore village under Khaprakhol police station, turning a total number of 30 houses to ashes on Sunday evening.

Tension prevailed in the area following the incident, forcing the police and the civil administration of the district rushing to the spot and controlled the situation. About 150 affected people have been sheltered in a relief camp with the police keeping guard.

According to reports, an SC youth, Ganesh Suna, had gone to purchase shirt to a shop owned by one Budu Meher. There were Daya Meher and Bharat Meher present at the shop. As Ganesh kept haggling over the price, an argument ensued between Daya and Bharat on one side and Ganesh on the other.

While the salesmen demanded more money as he had chosen two shirts, Ganesh refused to pay. After this, the salesmen alleged that he had stolen a shirt and demanded more money.

As the squabble continued, both the Mehers allegedly assaulted Ganesh with a dress hanger. Insulted Ganesh left and returned immediately with four others and mounted a counter assault.

As a result, Daya Meher sustained injuries. Following this, the shop owners closed the shop. Daya and Bharat rushed to Ganesh’s basti with supporters and torched the houses of the SC people. When the police and firefighters tried to reach the spot, irate mobs prevented them.

The police arrested 42 people in this connection and five cases have been registered so far. According to ASP Srikant Mishra.

IG RP Koche, Balangir SP R Prakash and district Collector SN Dey visited the spot on Sunday night with the SP camping there.

Addressing mediapersons on Monday in Balangir senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra described the incident as “unfortunate” and criticised police inaction.

“The police could have prevented the entire incident,” Mishra said and demanded action against the police official responsible for it.

“The affected families should be given an assistance of Rs 2 lakh and a house under Indira Awas Yojna each.”