Malkangiri unrest: Violence, protests prevail over headless woman’s body; Odisha DGP visits site

Tension continues to grip Malkangiri district as clashes between MV-26 and Rakhelguda villages intensified following the recovery of a headless body of a woman. The incident has triggered arson, large gatherings and prompted authorities to suspend internet services for 24 hours beginning Monday evening.

Sources said police deployment has been significantly increased in the area. Despite the heightened security presence, tensions remain high, with both groups standing in confrontation and demanding clarity on the circumstances and motive behind the woman’s killing.

Headless Body Triggers Continuous Dispute

According to reports, a woman from Rakhelguda had gone missing on December 3. Her headless body was found along the Dudameta riverbank the following day.

Following the recovery, disputes between MV-26 and Rakhelguda intensified and have continued without interruption.

Arson in MV-26 and protests in Malkangiri town

Reports from the area stated that a group set houses on fire in MV-26 after the body was recovered. At the same time, residents gathered in large numbers in Malkangiri town and staged a protest in front of the district Collector’s office.

Separate groups gathered in multiple locations, and tension continued even in the presence of police personnel. In Rakhelguda, people assembled carrying traditional weapons, while other groups mobilised near town locations and remained in confrontation. Thousands of tribal residents gathered on the riverbank at Rakhelguda to discuss their next course of action, said sources.

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Internet Suspended For 24 Hours

Authorities suspended internet service from 6 pm on Monday for 24 hours in view of rising tension. Police said that despite deployment, the situation did not calm down. Senior police officers, including the Director General of Police, visited the affected areas and reviewed the situation at ground level.

Police stated that examination of the headless body is in progress, and searches are continuing to locate the missing head.