Crime News / Diwali Firecracker Dispute Turns Violent in Bhubaneswar, Balangir

Bhubaneswar, Nov 9: What began as a disagreement over bursting firecrackers during Diwali turned violent in Odisha, leaving a father and son seriously injured in Balangir district, while a separate firecracker-related clash in Bhubaneswar led to police action.

The first incident was reported from Bagbhadi village under Balangir Sadar police limits. According to allegations, a group of youths were bursting firecrackers on a village road when local residents Sudam Sahoo and his son Uday Sahoo objected to the activity.

Their intervention reportedly triggered an argument, which soon escalated into violence.

Also read: Diwali turns tragic across Odisha as firecracker mishaps leave scores injured

Police said five youths allegedly attacked the father-son duo with sharp weapons. Both sustained injuries to their heads and other parts of the body. Family members rushed them to the District Headquarters Hospital in Balangir, where they received initial treatment.

Due to the severity of their injuries, the two were later referred to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital for advanced care. An investigation into the incident is underway.

In a separate incident in Bhubaneswar's Palaspalli area, tensions over firecracker bursting led to a serious clash between two groups on the night of Diwali.

What reportedly began as a verbal altercation quickly spiralled into a physical confrontation, with members of both groups attacking each other.

Police registered a case at Airport Police Station and launched an investigation. On Sunday, three persons were detained in connection with the violence. Efforts are continuing to identify and trace other individuals allegedly involved in the clash.