Tension prevails in Bolangir after attacks on churches

Sambalpur, Aug 31 (UNI) Tension prevailed in Balangir districts as miscreants attacked churches and places of worship at Loisingha, Deogan, Saintala, Patnagarh blocks in the aftermath of the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxamananda Sarswati at Kandhmal on August 23.

Police said churches were attacked at Pandren, Manahara, -Mursingh, Phatkara, Dhandamal, Jharmunda, Kutrapali, and Chantimunda villages over the past the 48 hours.

More than 80 people including VHP activist Sashi Bhusan Sahu, and VHP Balangir district unit secretary Parsuram Bisoi were arrested on various charges following the attack on places of worships of the minority community.

Bolangir Police Superintendent S Shyni said Sahu and Bisoi were arrested under 12 different sections of IPC and sec 3 of PDPP Act.

But the villagers alleged that police arrested mainly the innocent persons who were not at all involved.

Sambalpur (Northern Range) DIG said the situation was under control after the security forces made a flag march in the sensitive areas.

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