Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Mar 5: At least 11 persons were injured after a dispute over playing with colours during Holi escalated into a violent clash between two groups in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, police said on Thursday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Tikaria village, where an argument reportedly broke out between members of two groups over playing with colours. What began as a verbal altercation soon spiralled into a physical confrontation.

According to police, both sides allegedly attacked each other with sticks, batons and iron rods for nearly 10 minutes, triggering panic in the area. Locals intervened in an attempt to defuse the situation before police personnel reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

Villagers stated that eight persons from one group and three from the other sustained injuries in the clash. All the injured were sent for medical examination, officials confirmed.
A local resident, Avdhesh, alleged that members of the rival group entered his house in the absence of male family members and assaulted those present inside. He further claimed that when he and others reached the spot to intervene, they were also attacked.

Avdhesh alleged that four individuals restrained him and assaulted him with a knife.

Following the clash, tension prevailed in the village for some time. However, police said the situation is currently under control and adequate security arrangements have been made to prevent further escalation.

Deva Station House Officer Ajay Kumar Tripathi said complaints have been received from both sides and a case will be registered accordingly.

“Medical examination of the injured is being conducted. Necessary legal action will be taken after investigation,” he said.

Police are also examining video footage related to the incident and have appealed to residents to maintain peace and communal harmony.