Tension erupts in Bhubaneswar’s Salia Sahi over land dispute; police deployed

Tension prevailed high in Salia Sahi locality, Bhubaneswar’s largest slum, following a clash between two groups over a disputed piece of land on Sunday.

Also Read: Salia Sahi slum dwellers in Bhubaneswar oppose eviction

According to sources, the dispute arose over the opening of a market on the contested land (a ground, Padia in local parlance). Members of the Adivasi community strongly opposed the move, alleging that the space belonged to them and should not be used for commercial purposes.

The disagreement soon led to heated arguments and chaos in the locality, prompting police intervention. To prevent the situation from escalating, a police team has been deployed in the area, and peacekeeping measures have been intensified.

Senior police officials have reached the spot to monitor the situation and ensure law and order. Authorities have urged both groups to maintain peace while an investigation into the land ownership dispute is underway.
The situation in Salia Sahi remains tense but under control, police sources said.

Worth mentioning, earlier in another incident, panic had gripped the Capital City late on September 17 night after a series of bombs were hurled between Gautam Nagar Basti and Ashok Nagar Falikia Basti, causing damage to homes and property.

Explosions were then linked to longstanding rivalries, targeting some specific individuals or groups. The blasts damaged doors and household structures, leaving residents terrified.

In the past several months, similar explosions were reported from the Panda Kudia Basti and Phuleswari Basti in Bharatpur, indicating a disturbing pattern of targeted attacks in the State Capital.

Repeated bomb blasts in the city of Bhubaneswar are being seen as an open challenge to the Commissionerate Police. Despite heightened security and regular patrolling, criminals continue to strike, causing fear among residents and undermining law enforcement efforts.