Rayagada: A violent clash broke out between police and villagers over a road construction project in Kashipur block of Odisha’s Rayagada district, leaving several police personnel injured, including senior officials.

The incident occurred in Sagabari village early Tuesday morning when police were attempting to pacify protesting villagers opposing the ongoing road construction work. The situation escalated after agitators allegedly turned aggressive and began pelting stones at the police.

Protest against road construction turns violent in Kashipur

According to reports, the villagers have been opposing the road project linked to the proposed mining activities in the Sijimali area. While police were engaged in discussions with the protesters, tensions flared, leading to a sudden attack on the force.

Senior police officials among injured, seven critically hurt

Rayagada SDPO Gaurishankar Sahu, Kashipur IIC Deb Mallick, and Andirakanch police IIC were among those injured in the violence. At least nine personnel sustained critical injuries and were admitted to the district headquarters hospital for treatment. 

Till the last report came in, five victims were shifted to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. 

Long-standing tension over project

The road construction, stretching around 3 km from Purlang to Sagabari Ghat, is being undertaken to facilitate access to the Sijimali mining area. Locals have been strongly opposing the project for several days, alleging it threatens their land and livelihood.

Villagers reportedly raised slogans against the company and attempted to block the construction work, some carrying traditional weapons as part of the protest.

Police use tear gas, restrictions imposed

To bring the situation under control, police resorted to tear gas, following which the protesters dispersed. In view of the volatile law and order situation, the administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 in the area, restricting the assembly of more than four people within a 100-metre radius of the project site for a month.

Senior officials, including Rayagada Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni and SP Swathy S Kumar, are closely monitoring the situation.

No official statement has been issued yet regarding further action.

Following the incident, DIG (South West Region) Kanwar Vishal Singh visited the Rayagada DHH to see the health conditions of injured police personnel.