Prohibitory orders imposed as paddy harvest dispute turns tense after group clash in Kendrapara village

Tension gripped Petachela village under Mahakalapada block in Kendrapara district on Sunday, after two groups came face-to-face over the paddy harvest on a government land.  According to sources, a section of people had been cultivating paddy on the government land for several years.

However, recently, others laid claim to ownership of the same land. During the harvest, one group opposed the collection of paddy by the long-time cultivators, resulting in a tense standoff. A minor scuffle reportedly broke out between the groups, creating unrest in the village.

The district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Sec 163 of BNS to maintain law and order, and two platoons of forces were deployed to the area, while senior officials kept a close watch on the situation, sources added

Police intervened to calm the situation and mediate between the parties, but the atmosphere remained charged for several hours. The administration continues to monitor the area closely to prevent any escalation. No injuries have been reported so far, and authorities have appealed to villagers to maintain peace and resolve the dispute through proper legal channels.

Sudhakar Sahu, Kendrapara additional SP, said, “There is a land dispute between tenants and the land owner. To maintain law and order, we have imposed Sec 163 under BNSS. We have restrained both parties, and the Tehsildar is also present at the spot.”

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“The situation is under control now. We are keeping an eye on the situation. This land belongs to the Odisha government. We will seize the paddy, and necessary action will be taken,” said Rabindranath Acharya, Mahakalapada Tehsildar.