Odisha’s Malkangiri breathes easy: Peace pact reached between villages following violence after recovery of woman’s headless body

Tension subsided gradually in Malkangiri as a peace agreement was reached between MV-26 and Rakhelguda villages following several days of tension that intensified after the recovery of a headless body of a woman last weekend.

Sources reported that a Joint Peace Committee meeting was held at the Malkangiri District Collector’s office, where representatives from both villages participated. The meeting concluded peacefully with both villages agreeing to cease the animosity.

Peace Understanding After District-Level Meeting

Authorities stated that detailed discussions were held with both sides, and all community demands were heard in the presence of senior officers, including the DIG and Superintendent of Police. Officials added that no new incidents were reported in the last 24 hours.

Sources added that police and administrative teams facilitated the last rites of the deceased woman five days after the incident. Internet restrictions, which began Monday evening, have been extended by another 18 hours, while BNS Section 163 continues to remain in force.

A local member of the peace committee said the people of both villages agreed that violence must not continue.

“The attack on MV-26 was not right. We, the people of both the villages, reunited and formed a Peace Committee. We will take steps to ensure that in the coming days, no villages belonging to any community in the district are affected by any violence and a peaceful brotherhood is maintained,” the member said.

Administration Says Situation Has Normalised

SP Vinod Patil said that the situation on the ground had stabilised. “The two villages have completely set aside their differences. They further appeal to all people to maintain peace and brotherhood. The situation here is now completely normal. Security forces are deployed to maintain peace,” the SP said.

Malkangiri Collector Somesh Upadhyay said legal restrictions and force deployment would remain in place while authorities closely observe developments.

“The BNS Section 163 remains in force along with police and CRPF deployment. These measures are in place as we are keeping a close watch on any anti-social element and any malevolent attempt to disrupt the peace. We will repair the houses that were torched and will bring back displaced people to their respective villages,” he stated.

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Headless Body Triggered Unrest

As per reports, tension between the two villages heated up after a woman from Rakhelguda who had gone missing on December 3 was found dead along the Dudameta riverbank on December 4, with her head missing.

Following the discovery, groups from both villages clashed, leading to arson in MV-26 and large gatherings and protests in Malkangiri town.

According to sources, people assembled at multiple locations, including thousands along the riverbank, with some groups carrying traditional weapons. Internet services were initially suspended for 24 hours from 6 pm Monday to prevent escalation, after senior police officers reviewed the situation on site.