Hanuman Temple vs Market Complex: BNS 163 imposed in Ganjam village after clash between villagers

Tension flared high in two villages under the Sanakhemundi block of Ganjam district following a dispute over land ownership, prompting the local administration to impose BNS 163 to maintain law and order.

Sensing the rising tension and clash between the villagers, the Sanakhemundi administration swiftly imposed BNS 163 on Thursday, restricting gatherings and any form of public assembly in both the villages of Singipur and Ratnamanipur. Police forces from Digapahandi and nearby stations were deployed in large numbers to prevent any untoward incident.

As a precautionary measure, the police conducted a flag march in both villages to instill confidence among locals and deter any possible flare-up.

According to sources, at the heart of the conflict is a plot in Ratnamanipur, where local villagers have established a Hanuman temple along with a park. However, residents of Singipur are demanding the removal of the temple, insisting that the land should be used instead for the construction of a market complex and a public toilet.

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Both sides remain firm on their demands, leading to growing tension in the area. While Ratnamanipur villagers assert their traditional use and cultural ties to the land, Singipur villagers argue for public utility infrastructure that would benefit the larger community.

So far, no concrete action has been taken by the administration, and the situation remains unresolved.

Senior officials from the local tehsil and police department are closely monitoring the situation.

Sources said that both groups have been asked to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration while the dispute is being investigated. Security forces continued to patrol the area to avoid further escalation.