People clash with Police in Kendrapara, Section 144 Imposed

Kendrapara remains tense, as angry people clashed with the police over “excess” at Barimuala Ashram yesterday. They also demand immediate arrest of Sarathi Baba and ouster of Kendrapara MP Satish Gajbhiye. As the mob pelted stones at the cops, the latter resorted to lathicharge and also firing tear gas shells.

According to latest reports, Section 144 has been imposed in Barimul and parts of Kendrapara. The police selectively searching for people involved in yesterday’s violence and beating them up. According to visuals, the cops have damaged the private properties such as bikes, cars and houses too.

Some photojournalists were reportedly assaulted by the cops during the pitched battle when they were trying to cover the incident. The police beat up journalists as well as BJP cadres who were protesting against yesterday’s police action. Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has reached Barimula Ashram to probe into the Sarathi Baba controversy.