Odisha: Tribal woman's murder sparks violent clashes over land
A 55-year-old Koya tribal woman, Lake Padiami, was brutally murdered and beheaded in Odisha's Malkangiri district following a land dispute with a Bengali settler from MV-26.
Her body was found by the river on December 4, shortly after her family reported her missing on December 3, though she had been missing since December 1 or 3.
Police later arrested Subharanjan Mondal from the settlers' village for her murder.
What happened next?
The killing led to major unrest—about 5,000 tribals attacked MV-26, burning over 160 houses and forcing more than 1,000 people to flee.
Authorities imposed curfew and internet shutdowns to control the situation. Security forces were deployed and peace talks held; some families have started returning as things slowly settle down.
Local leaders have visited the area, but tensions over land remain a big concern for everyone involved.