2 Odisha villages clash after headless body found; internet suspended
What's the story
Violent clashes between two villages in Malkangiri district, Odisha, have led to a 24-hour internet shutdown. The district administration had also imposed prohibitory orders in the two villages. The violence was triggered by the discovery of a headless body of a tribal woman from Rakhelguda village. The incident led to over 50 houses in MV-26 village being vandalized and torched by thousands of tribal men and women from Rakhelguda.
Internet shutdown
Odisha government suspends internet to control violence
The Odisha government issued an order under Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, suspending mobile internet and social media services in Malkangiri district. The order, Odisha's home secretary said, was passed after "anti-social elements" used platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X to spread provocative messages. The suspension is effective from 6:00pm on December 8 until 6:00pm on December 9.
Security measures
Police deployed, internet ban imposed in Malkangiri
"In order to prevent the spread of such inflammatory and motivated messages to circulate in the above-mentioned media to disturb the public order in Malkangiri district and restore peace and amity," the order read. Odisha Director General of Police YB Khurania visited Malkangiri with senior police officers to restore peace. To maintain law and order, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel along with district police have been deployed in the area.
Ongoing investigation
Land dispute suspected as motive behind murder
The headless body was found in a river on December 4, a day after she was reported missing. A land dispute is suspected to be the motive behind the murder. After the body was found, a youth from MV-26 was detained for questioning in connection with this case, leading to clashes. Nearly 5,000 tribals from Rakhelguda village, armed with weapons including axes, bows and arrows, marched to MV-26 village under Korkunda Sadar Police station limits.
Community unrest
Bengali residents demand action against vandalism
The mob went from house to house, setting fire to structures, damaging a dozen homes, vehicles, and looting shops owned by about 100 Bengali families residing in the settlement. Meanwhile, Bengali residents of nearby villages have gheraoed the Collector's office demanding action against those involved in vandalism and arson. Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Vinodh Patil assured that sufficient forces have been deployed to avoid further escalation. "The police have also been conducting flag marches in the area," he said.