Tension flares over alleged religious preaching in Odisha’s Paralakhemundi

Paralakhemundi: Police said tensions briefly erupted in Paralakhemundi town on Monday after a scuffle broke out between two groups over alleged religious propaganda using a loudspeaker.

According to police, a group of Christian preachers was conducting a religious preaching using a loudspeaker near the Gola Sahi area when members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) objected, accusing them of attempts to convert people and making derogatory remarks against Hinduism. The situation escalated when members of the two groups clashed, prompting local residents to inform the police. A police team arrived at the scene and intervened to prevent any untoward incident. Officials advised the group to refrain from such activities in public places and detained five preachers for questioning.

Police said the preaching material, including pamphlets and audio equipment, was confiscated from them. A case (422/25) has been registered at the Paralakhemundi police station based on a written complaint by VHP official Satya Narayan Sahu. VHP District Religious Coordinator Manoj Das and Town Secretary G Kuruma Reddy said there was no objection to anyone practising or propagating their religion, but added that comments against Hindu beliefs would not be tolerated.