22 Arrested for Hurling Petrol Bombs at Police in Pati Sunapur Village

Berhampur: At least 22 persons, including 18 women, were arrested after a violent mob in Pati Sunapur village hurled petrol bombs and pelted stones at police personnel on duty during the ongoing “Jogamma” Yatra, injuring six officers and damaging vehicles in an attempt to disrupt the event.

Those arrested perons include P. Kamamma (55), B. Debaki (40), B. Sunita (40), Ch. Hema (40), B. Parbati (40), G. Tulasamma (35), B. Nolama (40), B. Sitamma (40), G. Jogamma (50), L. Tulasamma (40), D. Parbati (50), B. Saraswati (45), W. Mutalayaama (40), B. Kamudu (45), B. Ramlu (35), P. Dhana Laxmi (45), R. Kumari (40), B. Sakuntala (45), K. Krishna Rao (32), G. Tateya (25), L. Gopal (24) and P. Koteshu (34). All are from Pati Sunapur village under Marine Police Station limits.

On May 11, 2025, around 9:00 PM, police were alerted to 100-150 villagers, armed with lathis, knives, stones, petrol bombs, and hand bombs, forming an unlawful assembly at Pati Sonapur Chak. The group blocked a village road, intent on stopping the festival scheduled from May 11 to May 15. Accompanied by the Executive Magistrate cum Tahsildar of Chikiti, police rushed to the scene and attempted to negotiate with the agitators to restore calm and ensure the yatra’s continuation.

Despite these efforts, the accused defied calls for peace. They hurled petrol bombs at police with intent to kill, pelted stones, and shouted obscene abuses. The explosions and stone-throwing injured six officers and damaged police vehicles. The three-hour blockade disrupted public movement and obstructed police duties, informed Berhampur SP Dr. Saravana Vivek M.

The police seized 28 stones, metal objects, broken beer bottle glass, jute threads, and paper pieces with gunpowder traces. The 22 accused were arrested on May 12, 2025, and produced before the court, facing charges of rioting, obstructing public servants, and explosives violations.