SIRAHA: A dispute that escalated in Phulbariya during relief distribution at Mirchaiya-7, has left eight persons injured, including police personnel.

The clash erupted as the locals complained of their names not being included in the list of recipients of relief materials for those hit hard by coronavirus-lockdown.

The police had to take stern measures -- open firing in the air and using tear gas -- since the situation was getting out of hand, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the Mirchaiya-Area Police Office, Santu Jaiswal.

As many as eight persons including five police personnel and three locals have sustained injuries following the dispute. All those injured are receiving treatment at a local health facility.