Balasore: Family members of a deceased woman allegedly carried her body on a bicycle for nearly 15 kilometres to Khaira police station in Odisha’s Balasore district today, accusing police of inaction against the accused involved in her death.

The incident stemmed from a violent clash over a land boundary dispute at Haripur village under Khaira police limits on Sunday. The dispute reportedly broke out during the construction of a house.

According to reports, Kamala Sethi (39) died after being allegedly attacked with spades and shovels by her neighbours. Her sister-in-law, Shankuntala Sethi, sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Family members alleged that even after three days of the incident, the police failed to take concrete action against the accused. Protesting the delay, they carried Kamala’s body on a bicycle towards Khaira police station and planned to stage a demonstration demanding justice.

After receiving information, Khaira police reportedly arranged an ambulance to transport the body. However, the family refused to use it and continued their protest march. Later, they staged a demonstration near the police station by keeping the body on the road.

The family questioned why the accused had not yet been arrested.

Balasore SP Pratyush Diwaker said the prime accused has already been arrested, and two others will be arrested soon. Speaking on today's incident, the police official said ambulance service was offered to the family members, but they refused to accept it.

According to the complaint, the violence erupted on Sunday morning while the construction work was underway at the house of Surendra Sethi. Neighbour Bharat Jena and his family allegedly objected, accusing Surendra of encroaching on their land. The argument soon turned violent.

Bharat Jena, his wife Bharati, son Manas, and another family member allegedly attacked Surendra, his wife Shankuntala, daughter Tulasi and sister Kamala with shovels and spades.

The injured persons were initially taken to Khaira Hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after their condition deteriorated.