Sambalpur, Aug. 20: Two persons were injured yesterday in a brawl at Laripali Chhak in Rengali police limits, 22km from here. Three persons have been detained.

Hemlal Rohidash and Tularam Rohidash of Thurupali in Rengali block had come to Rengali on a motorcycle for some work.

While returning home, they met with an accident when another motorcycle coming from the opposite direction hit them. The accident took place at Salepada, under Rengali police limits, said police. The mishap led to an altercation between Hemlal and his associate and the two persons on the other motorcycle. However, local villagers intervened and saved the situation.

After some time, Hemalal and Tularam returned with some friends and confronted the other two at Laripali Chhak. During the altercation, someone from the other group fired at Tularam and a bullet hit him in his thigh.

Tularam was admitted to Sambalpur Hospital. The other group also hit Hemlal with the pistol butt and he too had to be hospitalised. “The assailant attacked us with the intention of looting,” said Hemlal. “A petty dispute turned into a big fight. We are investigating the matter. The condition of the injured admitted to the hospital is much better now,” said P.K. Sahu, inspector in-charge of the Rengali police station.

“We have detained three persons in this connection. From preliminary investigation, it seems a minor incident turned into a big fight,” said, P.K. Mohapatra, Sambalpur deputy superintendent of police.

“This is second firing incident in the last one month in Rengali. Another incident of firing had taken place on July 31 and police seized arms from the culprit. With industrialisation, crime is also growing in Rengali,” said Nimei Pattnaik, a local resident.