Puri,October08: Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb  on Monday condemned the large-scale violence that was reported during Puri bandh which was called in protest of introduction of ‘dhadi darshan (queue system)’ at Puri Srimandir last week.

In an exclusive interview to a local electronic media  Dibyasingha Deb termed ransacking of property and violence during observance of Puri bandh as ‘unfortunate.’

“What happened during the bandh is totally unfortunate and I am hopeful that Odisha government will take appropriate action against those involved in violence so that such incidents do not recur,” said Dibyasingha Deb while urging people to maintain peace and tranquillity in the town.

It is pertinent to mention here that the pilgrim town had witnessed violence & vandalism during observance of a bandh on October 3 protesting introduction of queue system for devotees at Puri Srimandir.

Later, criminal cases were filed by Singhadwara and Town Police leading to several arrests.

Official sources said 13 more persons were arrested today on the charges of damaging property and violence during the bandh. Earlier, 41 persons were arrested in connection with the incident.