Malkangiri: More than 50 houses were set afire as locals indulged in large scale arson following conflicts between residents of villages over the recovery of a woman’s headless body at in Odisha’s Malkangiri.
Acting swiftly following the violence, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under BNS-163 across a 10-kilometre perimeter spanning MV-26 and Rakhelguda villages.
Sources said the residential school located in MV-26 has also been shut for four days as a precautionary measure while the situation remains under observation.
The unrest broke out after headless body of a woman from Rakhelguda was recovered near Poteru river in Dudumetla area.
Locals said the woman had been missing for several days and a complaint had been filed at the Korukonda police station last week. Villagers from Rakhelguda have alleged that residents from MV-26 were responsible for the killing, prompting confrontations.
As per sources, a group allegedly entered several homes in MV-26 following recovery of the body and damaged household property and set vehicles on fire. Many houses were reportedly torched and partially destroyed, and items inside were broken or looted.
Police personnel in strength were immediately deployed in MV-26 to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation. While no arrest has been made so far, restrictions under BNS-163 remain in force.
Officials said the administration would assess the damage caused to property and provide assistance to affected families. They urged villagers to maintain peace while investigation continues to identify those responsible for the murder of the woman.
