Five persons drown in Orissa after celebrating Holi

Five persons drowned in Orissa today while taking bath after celebrating Holi, which was observed amidst gaiety and camaraderie across the state.

People from all strata of society splashed colours of many hues, embraced and greeted each other and exchanged sweets.

Many foreign tourists were seen mingling with locals to celebrate the festival at Puri.
       
Three persons drowned in Ib river on the outskirts of Sundargarh, 100 km from Rourkela, as they slipped into deep water while taking bath after Holi celebrations, police said.

The deceased, whose bodies were fished out by nearby villagers, were identified as Anup Dalwani (25), his cousin Avinash Dalwani (24) and Anand Rao (25), they said.

In a similar incident, two persons drowned in ponds in Berhampur during bath after holi festivities, police said.

The deceased were identified as Subhransu Behera (12) and Birendra Yadav (26).
       
Four persons were taken ill after application of colour at Santaragadia in Balasore district as they developed skin rash and eye irritation, inspector in-charge of Nilgiri police station Sujit Pradhan said.

The retailer who sold the colour has been detained by police.
       
Enraged over sprinkling of colour at him, a shop owner poured petrol over a man and set him afire at Nainipur village in Kendrapara district. While the victim was undergoing treatment, the shop owner was absconding.