Armed forces in Kandhamal after attack on prayer hall

Armed forces were deployed at Pradhanpada village in Odisha's Kandhamal district today as tension prevailed following damage to an under-construction prayer hall two days ago.
Two platoons of armed police (about 70 personnel) were deployed in the village as part of measures to prevent further trouble and to restore normalcy, a senior police officer said.
A group of people had attacked the under-construction structure on Thursday, police said.
Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident while a manhunt was on for others as efforts were on for amicable settlement to the issue, they said.
According to a complaint made by the community leaders, the accused persons threatened 15 persons of eight families involved in the construction work of the prayer house.

All the 15 persons met the SP Kunor Bilash Singh yesterday and apprised him of the situation, who further gave directives for necessary action against those involved.