At least 15 persons, including 10 security personnel, were injured in a clash between the villagers and policemen here today.
According to the police, the residents of Begbudi village near Chend colony pelted stones at policemen when they went to the area looking for miscreants involved in vandalisation of a Durga Mandap in the steel city.
The villagers also used women as a shield.
Despite several warnings, the villagers did not budge and the stone throwing became intense, in which 10 policemen were injured.
In retaliation, the police resorted to lathi charge after bringing in some women police personnel.
"We have arrested 43 persons in this connection and soon they will be forwarded to court after due completion of all the official procedures", S Mohanty, Additional SP Rourkela, who was monitoring the operation, said.
Twelve platoons of forces have been deployed for the purpose, he said.
