Sambalpur, April 12: Tension gripped the city ahead of the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations scheduled to be observed tomorrow. Police today arrested four members of the Hanuman Jayanti Co-ordination Committee (HJCC) apprehending breach of peace during the celebrations.

Former Sambalpur Municipality chairperson Girish Patel, committee president Prabhat Panda, and committee members Siba Agrawal and Kanha Sharma were arrested from their houses in the morning.

District police superintendent Akhilesvar Singh said: "The executive magistrate issued warrant under Section 113 of Criminal Procedure Code against them."

Police have strictly prohibited display of arms and weapons during the procession. "We have decided to strictly implement the condition this year. We will initiate action against those who violate the rules," said Singh.

The committee, however, condemned the arrest of its members.

A social organisation called Progressive Sambalpur today took out a rally appealing the people to maintain peace. They welcomed the decision of the police to prohibit display of arm and weapons during the procession. They submitted a memorandum to the police superintendent in this regard as well. "We welcome the step of the police to prohibit display of arms and weapons during the Hanuman Jayanti procession," said Progressive Sambalpur convener Sanjit Mohanty.

The police have made adequate arrangements to maintain law and order during a procession to be taken out by the committee tomorrow. Some 27 platoons of the police force would be deployed across the city during the procession.