Hans News Service Bhubaneswar

Fourpersons were arrested for allegedly engaging in a scuffle with police personnel, including a woman officer, during Diwali celebrations in Kataka on Sunday night, officials said. The incident took place when a group of people were bursting firecrackers in Nayasadak area, a busy city road stretch, “causing problems for commuters”, they said.

Upon receiving information, police personnel, led by ACP Ananya Awasthi, went to the spot and stopped them from bursting the firecrackers, the officials said. Subsequently, the accused allegedly attempted to attack Awasthi and the other police personnel present at the spot, they said. A video clip of the incident went viral on social media.

“When a Quick Action Team from the nearby police station reached the spot, the accused attempted to attack the personnel,” Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said.

The four accused, aged between 20 and 32 years, have been arrested under various sections of the BNS and the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, he said. Further investigation is underway.