Eight held for clash in Orissa temple

BHUBANESWAR - At least eight people were arrested Monday for their involvement in a clash in the premises of a 300-year-old temple in Orissa Jan 26, police said.

At least 35 people, mostly devotees, were injured when the supporters of two groups of priests clashed inside Ananta Gopal temple in Jajpur district, about 60 km from here.

Properties worth over Rs.1 lakh were damaged when two groups, one of the head priest and another of his two younger brothers, fought with knives and iron rods over their hereditary rights.

“Eight people from both the groups were arrested and brought before a local court today (Monday). They were remanded to judicial custody,” police officer P.K. Majhi told IANS.