Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: Violence broke out between two groups of students outside Deb Ray College on Thursday evening, ahead of the student union election nomination process. The clash, reportedly stemming from previous enmity, took place in front of the college’s main gate, with both groups allegedly attacking each other using cricket bats and hockey sticks.

Two minors were injured in the incident. One of them reportedly suffered a fractured finger, while the other sustained multiple injuries. Both were rushed to Capital Hospital for treatment.

The incident triggered panic among residents living in the vicinity of the college. Police from Nayapalli Police Station rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Officers also detained several non-students from the scene and took them to the police station for questioning.

According to preliminary police investigations, the dispute dates back to Ganesh Puja, when a minor allegedly passed inappropriate comments at a female student of the college. This reportedly led to an altercation involving some of her college peers and other outsiders.

Police suspect that Thursday’s clash was the fallout of the earlier dispute. However, in view of the upcoming student union elections, security arrangements are being strengthened, with police personnel set to be deployed on the college campus from Friday to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.