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Keonjhar, April 28: Tensions flared up in Raigoda village under Bansapal block Monday night as two groups of people clashed over alleged forced religious conversion of some tribals.
Two of the policemen, who were in the village to ensure an amicable solution of the issue, were reportedly injured during the clashes.
While tension remained palpable in the area, two platoons of police were deployed in the village. Meanwhile, a peace committee has been formed with the initiatives of senior police officials.
ASP Diptiranjan Ray, sub-collector Santosh Kumar Nayak and other administrative officials of the district visited the village and held discussions with the two groups separately before advising formation of a peace committee.
According to sources, as many as 200 families of Bhuyan tribal community and 20 families of Munda tribal community are living in the village.
Bhuyan tribals alleged that people from outside the village are converting the Munda tribals into other religion through deceit and inducements. The presence of an outsider in the village Monday triggered anger among Bhuyans and later it escalated to clashes.
When alerted, policemen of Suakati outpost rushed to the spot Monday night. Even in the presence of police, people of both the groups indulged in a pitched battle, leaving two police men injured in the process.
More police personnel rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the crowd. While situation normalised after police intervention, tension remained palpable.
OIC of Suakati outpost has lodged an FIR over the attack on police personnel.
A peace committee was formed in the presence of police and a magistrate. However, many villagers demanded a probe into their allegation of conversions in the
village.
ASP Diptiranjan Ray said that the situation has remained normal and a peace panel has been formed.
“However, we are keeping a close watch on the situation,” he added.
