Cuttack, Oct. 4: Two persons sustained bullet injuries in a clash between two groups in Bidanasi on Wednesday night. The two groups had exchanged fire during the clash. So far, the cops have detained eight persons.

There was an altercation between the two groups over consumption of liquor near Baula Chhak. Members of the two groups had been at loggerheads over past rivalry.

Soon after they started arguing, a physical tussle ensued and later, there was firing from each side in which Alok Sahu, 26, of Jhanjir Mangala and Tapas Choudhry, 28, of Bidanasi suffered bullet injuries.

Three rounds of bullets were fired by both sides. One man each was injured from each group.

Alok Sahu has criminal antecedents and further investigation regarding his involvement in the incident is on. Sahu has suffered injuries on his right leg and Choudhry has been hit on the shoulder. Both are now are now undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital.

“My son is in the construction business and was returning home when the incident occurred. He had no rivalry with anyone and was returning after collecting money from his contractors,” said Tapas’s father Sanatan Choudhry.

The incident has once again raised questions about night patrolling measures taken by Cuttack-Bhubaneswar police ahead of Dussehra.

However, officials said that they were alert and every possible effort was being made towards a peaceful celebration. The cops claimed to have foiled attempts of criminals in the past month in the city.

So far, over 15 criminals involved in a series of loot and dacoity have been arrested.