40 houses set afire

PURI: As many as 40 houses were set afire in the strife-torn Gambhari village under Brahmagiri police limits by some armed villagers on Friday night. Even as fire tenders rushed to the village to put off the fire, they were allegedly prevented by some villagers. Sources said there was also an exchange of fire between the villagers and police. Following the incident, police detained four women which was protested on Saturday by their fellow villagers. They gheraoed Brahmagiri police station demanding their immediate release.Post-panchayat poll violence last month, supporters of BJD and Congress had hurled bombs at each other after results of the elections were declared. The BJD candidate had faced defeat in the election.