Phulbani tense after attack on Hindu seer

By Priyanka Prashant
Bhubaneswar, Dec. 24: Tension prevailed in Daringibadi region in Phulbani district following alleged attack on a noted Hindu seer by a minority group.
The seer – Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati – was on his way to Brahmnigaon village to see some youths who were injured in the morning as the members of the minority group attacked them.
The minority community youths intercepted the seer's vehicle, dragged him out and attacked him with sharp weapons.
Although police is yet to cite reasons for the tussle between the two communities, sources one group of youths opposed to construction a religious gate by the other group.
According Viswa Hindu Parishad state media cell chief Debasis Tripathy, Laxmananda has sustained serious cut injuries on his shoulders and he has been admitted to Daringibadi hospitals in critical conditions.
Phulbani collector Bhabagrahi Mohapatra and superintendent of police Narasingha Bhol have rushed to the spot to avoid further flare up of communal tension in the area.
VHP state general secretary Pramod Acharya condemned the incident and demanded exemplary punishment to the culprits.
The VHP has called for a one-day Orissa bandh on Tuesday to protest against the assault on the seer.
Meanwhile, unofficial reports from the adjoining Baliguda area said communal riots had broken out at some local villages. Several houses were set on fire by the rival groups.