Bhubaneswar: Tension escalated in the disputed Kotia region of Koraput district on Sunday after Odisha Police stopped a vehicle carrying solar equipment brought by an Andhra Pradesh team for distribution among beneficiaries, triggering a face-off between police personnel from the two states.

The incident comes amid growing tensions between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh following the neighbouring state's reported move to initiate the panchayat election process in Kotia.

According to reports, an Andhra Pradesh team arrived at Upar Sembi village in Kotia on Sunday to distribute free solar equipment among beneficiaries. On receiving information about the team's visit, the Koraput district administration and police reached the area.

The vehicle carrying solar panels was stopped by Odisha Police after it entered the border area through Fatusineri. Subsequently, a team of Andhra Pradesh Police arrived at the spot to secure the release of the detained vehicle, leading to a confrontation between police personnel from the two states.

Koraput MLA and District Planning Board chairman Raghuram Machha, along with former district BJP president Sumanta Pradhan and other local BJP leaders, opposed the presence of Andhra Pradesh Police in Kotia.

Questioning who had authorised the entry of the vehicle carrying solar equipment into Odisha, Machha reportedly asked the Andhra Pradesh team to leave the area immediately. Following a brief exchange of arguments, the Andhra Pradesh Police personnel returned.

Later, the BJP team visited Upar Sembi village after learning that the solar equipment was intended for local households and interacted with residents.

Koraput admin intensifies presence in Kotia

According to information available, solar power connections have already been installed on the rooftops of 36 houses in Upar Sembi. Connections are yet to be completed in the remaining houses in the village and in neighbouring Talar Sembi.

Local residents said contractors from Andhra Pradesh had been working in the area under a Central Government solar energy scheme. The circumstances surrounding the distribution of the equipment and the ongoing installation work have become a point of contention amid the prevailing political tensions.

Meanwhile, the Koraput district administration and police have intensified their presence in Kotia in response to Andhra Pradesh's reported panchayat election initiatives. Officials are staying in the area and reportedly creating awareness among residents against participating in the neighbouring state's election process.

Barricades have been installed at entry points to prevent unauthorised entry into the region. Authorities are also collecting details of unfamiliar persons entering the villages as part of efforts to monitor movement in the sensitive border area.

The latest incident has added to the longstanding dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over Kotia, with developments surrounding the proposed electoral process further heightening tensions in the region.