Chaos and tragedy struck Odisha during Ganesh idol immersion processions, resulting in one death and 14 injuries across multiple incidents, police reported Monday. In Nayagarh district, a violent clash between two groups over music during a procession in Karadapalli village left one man, Harihara Swain, dead.

The incident occurred Sunday night under Fatehgarh police station’s jurisdiction when an argument between Pathapur and Karadapalli residents escalated. Swain died protecting his son from attackers, police said. Ten others were injured and are receiving treatment at a local hospital, while Swain’s body was sent for post-mortem. Angry locals protested at Bhapur market, demanding swift arrests, and dispersed after police assurances.

In Bhubaneswar’s Patrapada area, another clash fuelled by old rivalries injured four during a Sunday night immersion procession. The victims were rushed to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and Capital Hospital, with police intervening to restore order.

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In Puri’s Konark area, three youths were injured after touching a live wire while climbing a DJ vehicle during a procession. One critically injured youth was shifted to a Bhubaneswar hospital, while the others were treated at Gop Hospital.

Tragedy also struck in Cuttack’s Khudurukuni area, where a woman was swept away by strong currents in the Mahanadi River while bathing post-immersion on Monday morning. Fire services launched a rescue operation to locate her.

Authorities are investigating the incidents, with heightened police presence to prevent further unrest as communities reel from the violent turn of events during the religious festivities.

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