Dhenkanal.October 21: Police resorted to lathicharge to restore law and order at Bhuban in Dhenakanal district which had reportedly gone for a toss following a group clash during observance of age-old bullock festival.

According to reports, the clash was reported between the residents of Arasahi and Harijansahi near Bhuban bus terminal following dispute over offering of ‘bhog’ during the bull yatra which is observed a day after Dussehra as per tradition.

The situation soon turned violent after the two groups resorted to stone pelting today. Several houses have also been damaged in the incident.

Following the tension, police rushed to the spot and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd and brought the situation to control.

“Some miscreants barged into my house and ransacked property. It was only due to the intervention of police that none of my family members were hurt,” alleged Jay Mallick, a resident of ward no-15.

Meanwhile, police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order in the area.

“A face-off erupted between two groups during the procession. Police rushed to the spot and took steps to restore normalcy,” informed Dhenkanal SP, Harekrushna Pradhan.