Baripada, March 14: Tension gripped Binjhua village under Tiring police station in Bahalda block of Mayurbhanj district after a clash broke out between villagers and police following an alleged molestation attempt on a tribal minor by a youth from a minority community.

According to reports, the minor girl had come to her maternal uncle’s house in Ichaghutu village to attend a wedding. On Thursday evening, while returning after withdrawing money from a Jana Seva Kendra in Binjhua village, she was allegedly harassed near a school by Sheikh Chhotu, son of Sheikh Ismail of the same village. The accused fled after the girl raised an alarm and locals rushed to the spot.

The incident triggered outrage among villagers who gathered near the accused’s house and staged protests. Police officials, including Rairangpur Additional SP Yadunath Jena and SDPO Birendra Kumar Senapati, reached the spot to control the situation, but tension continued through the night.

On Friday morning, angry villagers blocked National Highway 220 at Murmu Chhak in Bahalda, demanding that the accused be brought to the spot. When police tried to disperse the crowd, violence erupted and protesters allegedly attacked police with sticks and stones. Over 12 police personnel were injured, three of them seriously. Protesters also vandalised and overturned the Bahalda tehsildar’s vehicle.

Later, Mayurbhanj Additional SP Deepak Kumar Gochhayat rushed to the spot with additional police force. The situation was brought under control after discussions between police, local leaders and villagers. The victim was taken to hospital and a complaint was filed.

Police later conducted a flag march in the village and arrested 38 people in connection with the attack on police and vandalism. A case has been registered at Bahalda police station.