Malkangiri unrest: Six more held in connection with MV-26 clash; arrest count reaches 15

Police have arrested six more persons in connection with the violent clash reported from the MV-26 area of Malkangiri district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 15, officials said on Sunday. Nine people were arrested earlier as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident. The arrests come even as the overall situation in the violence-hit region is showing signs of gradual improvement. 

According to the district administration, normal life is slowly returning, though security arrangements remain in place to prevent any fresh flare-ups.

However, the internet suspension imposed across the district has not been lifted. The Malkangiri Collector said the shutdown has been extended till 12 noon on Monday as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of rumours and misinformation that could disturb law and order. The decision was taken despite improvement in the ground situation, officials said.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been withdrawn following a review of the situation by the administration. The lifting of restrictions has provided partial relief to residents who were affected by movement curbs during the period of unrest.

The district administration has estimated the total damage caused due to the violence at around Rs 3.80 crore. Officials said extensive damage was reported to public and private properties during the unrest. Essential services, including electricity supply and drinking water, which were disrupted following the incident, have since been fully restored in the affected areas.

Also Read: Normalcy returns to Malkangiri, internet shutdown extended till Monday noon

Authorities said the situation continues to be closely monitored, with police personnel deployed at sensitive locations. The administration has appealed to the public to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure the complete restoration of normalcy in the district.