Six injured in Orissa as groups clash, church damaged

Bhubaneswar, Aug 27 : At least six people were injured in Orissa when two religious groups clashed over a fence in front of a church leading to crowds barging inside the building and smashing some statues inside the prayer hall, reported Indo–Asian News.

The incident occurred Thursday at Raikia town in Phulbani district.

Police said trouble started when some people moved the fencing in front of the church to plant a tree. Hindu and Christian groups argued angrily over the matter
and a mob of about 300 people rushed to the church and broke its windows.

They also smashed a number of statues installed inside the prayer hall and burnt a truck parked outside the church, said a senior district police official over the phone.

The mob brought several things, including pictures and clothes, from inside the church and set them on fire, he said.

There is considerable tension in Raikia with three platoons of armed police being deployed to avoid further trouble.

Senior district administrative officials have rushed to the town to monitor the situation.