TNI Bureau: A clash broke out between two groups of young picnickers at the popular Duluri Pine Forest in Daringbadi, Kandhamal district, causing panic among tourists and families present at the spot. The incident occurred when around 3,000 to 4,000 tourists had gathered at the scenic location.

According to sources, a minor verbal altercation between the two groups over an unknown issue soon escalated into a violent group clash. Members of both groups allegedly attacked each other using sticks, plates, ladles and other cooking utensils brought for the picnic.

The sudden violence created fear and chaos among other visitors, forcing many families to move away from the area for safety.

Daringbadi police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control by resorting to mild lathi-charge to disperse the miscreants. Police detained around five to six youths involved in the clash and are questioning them at the police station.

One person sustained injuries in the incident and was admitted to the Daringbadi hospital for treatment. Police said that some of the youths were reportedly under the influence of alcohol, which may have triggered the violence.

Following the incident, local residents and tourists have demanded stricter security arrangements at the tourist spot to prevent such incidents in the future.