An under-construction prayer house was allegedly demolished by a group of people leading to tension in Kandhamal district, police said today.
The incident took place last night when a group of people from Pradhanpada village under Khajuripada Police Station area allegedly damaged the prayer house.
"We have arrested the prime accused on charge of instigating villagers. Police force have been deployed and leaders of both the communities have agreed to settle the matter amicably," Kandhamal SP Kuanr Bilash Singh told PTI.
"We have been working on zero tolerance policy as far as such community based disputes are concerned. The district administration has appealed people not to get carried away with mischief mongers," the SP said.
According to a complaint made by the community leaders, the accused persons threatened 15 persons of eight families involved in the construction work of the prayer house.
All the 15 persons met the SP this morning and apprised him of the situation.
As per the preliminary investigation made by the district administration, the prayer house was allegedly being constructed over a disputed land.
"We are verifying the allegation made by the villagers," he said.
