Berhampur: At least two
persons were killed when police opened fire to disperse a
violent mob, which attacked them at a village in Odisha`s
Ganjam district on Saturday, official sources said.
Fifteen others, including five police personnel, were
injured in the clash when the mob threw stones and fought a
pitched battle at Phasipada village under Kodala police
station, about 60 km from here, they said.
The police opened fire after a lathi-charge and
teargas proved ineffective in dispersing the mob, a senior
police official said.
Two persons, Purna Pala and Rabi Pala, were injured in
the police firing and were taken to the MKCG Medical Hospital
where doctors declared them dead, officials and doctors said.
The policemen were returning after rescuing three
persons, including a woman, held by the villagers for
allegedly practising witchcraft, DIG of Police (Southern
Range) R K Sharma said.
Besides the DIG, SP (Ganjam) Rajesh Pandit along
with reinforcements rushed to the spot.
The villagers had tonsured four persons and pulled out
their teeth accusing them of practising witchcraft. One of the
victims escaped last night and informed the police, the police
said.
Most of the injured were admitted to the local
hospital at Kodala, while some others with serious injuries
were taken to MKCG Medical College Hospital, police said.
The situation was tense, but under control, they said.
PTI
