Tension prevails at Namtara, Police Forces Deployed

An uneasy calm prevailed at Namtara village under Rajkanika block in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, as the men folk disappeared from the village, fearing backlash from the police. As many as 9 men and women, who were injured in police action on Sunday, are being treated at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. There were pitched battles between the cops and villagers over the all-women anti-liquor campaign. 10 policemen and 3 media persons were also injured during the battle.

Four platoons of armed police have been deployed on the outskirts of Namtara village. At least six people were arrested and forwarded to court in connection with Sunday’s violence. Meanwhile, BJP and Congress leaders have visited the village and slammed BJD Government over the alleged police excess.