India, March 9 -- At least 54 instances of communal riots and seven cases of mob lynching were reported in Odisha since June 2024, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi told the state assembly on Monday.

Replying to a written question from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Goutam Buddha Das, Majhi said, from June 12, 2024, at least 54 communal riot incidents were reported from Balasore, Khurda, Koraput, Malkangiri and Bhadrak districts while seven mob lynching cases were recorded in Rayagada, Dhenkanal, Deogarh and Balasore districts.

Police arrested 298 people in connection with the communal riot cases and 61 people for their alleged involvement in mob lynching incidents during the 20-month period, Majhi said.

Among the districts, Balasore report...