Houses torched in Athagarh political violence

At least 11 houses were set on fire following a clash between ruling BJD and opposition Congress activists in Athagarh of Cuttack district as the assembly segment will go for by-polls on March 18.

Police said the houses were set aflame at Radhakishorepur under Khuntuni police station area following the clash yesterday.

A large number of Congress workers led by party candidate for the polls Suresh Chandra Mohapatra later gheraoed the police station alleging BJD sympathisers were behind the incident.

The incident followed the clash between rival BJD and Congress activists at Joranda village under the block on Thursday last leading to the injury of at least seven persons from the two sides.