Congress worker killed in clash in Orissa

Keonjhar, Orissa, July 15 (UNI) A congress worker was killed, when the BJP and Congress supporters clashed today during the loading of iron ores at a railway sliding, close to Balani mines near here.

The violent incident left at least 15 others injured from both the political parties forcing the district authority to reimpose prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPc in the entire mines area.

Barbil Police said the trouble started during the loading of iron ores at the railway sliding when the Congress and BJP workers engaged in a pitched battle for quite some time.

One Sambhu Sahu of Congress injured in the clash, was rushed to Joda hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Additional police force rushed to the site to bring the situation under control. Police arrested 17 people, ten from the Congress and seven from the BJP in connection with the clash, in which three loaders were damaged and few motor cycles were set ablaze.

The authority had earlier promulgated prohibitory order under section 144 CrPc apprehending the clash between the supporters of the two rival political parties. But the prohibitory order was lifted today and the police allowed the loading of iron ores at the railway sliding.

The Superintendent of Police and Keonjhar district Sub collector, along with other officials rushed to the spot and are camping there to monitor the law and order situation.

Police described the situation in the area as tense but under control.

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