Bhubaneswar, Sept. 26: An 18-year-old youth was allegedly killed during the immersion procession of Lord Ganesh at Sunamuhin village.

Police said the death of Lipuna Parida took place yesterday during the immersion procession. However, they were not sure whether it was a case of accident or murder.

A villager said they found Parida lying on the ground during the procession. He was rushed to the nearest hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His family members, however, have alleged foul play.

The police said the deceased might have been hit with a blunt object leading to his death. "We are investigating the matter further to ascertain the circumstances which led to his death," said inspector in charge of Pipili police station Jadunath Jena.

Though there are no reports of clashes, the police remain on alert to ward off any untoward incidents.

In another incident, tension erupted at Majhipur village in the Pipili police limits following a clash between two groups during immersion procession. Both groups ransacked shops and set three vehicles on fire. They allegedly hurled crude bombs at each other and resorted to stone pelting.

Tension also prevailed at the Pipili government hospital after one of the groups ransacked the hospital. Nearly three platoons of police have been deployed in and around Majhipur village.

In yet another development, 10 persons were injured in a clash during the immersion procession at Nimabasant village in the Delang police limits in the district. The villagers torched two motorcycles and ransacked a police vehicle. Several police personnel also suffered injuries in the clash.

The police said a group of people attacked a youth during the procession leading to clashes. When they reached the spot, they were pelted with stones. One platoon of police has been deployed at the village.

Puri superintendent of police Ashish Singh said they were keeping a strict vigil. "Adequate police personnel have been deployed at the three villages to maintain law and order," he said.