Internet Curbs Extended in Malkangiri as Tension Persists After Village Violence

Bhubaneswar/Malkangiri: The Malkangiri district administration has extended the internet suspension by another 18 hours, keeping the restrictions in place until 12 PM on December 10, 2025. The decision, approved by the Home Department following a request from the Collector and District Magistrate, aims to maintain peace in the region after days of escalating violence.

According to officials, thousands of tribals stormed MV-26 village in Korkonda block and set more than 160 houses ablaze following outrage over the recovery of the headless body of a tribal woman, Lake Podami. Of the 188 houses in the village, 163 were completely gutted.

Security has been tightened in the area with the deployment of police, District Voluntary Force (DVF), and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. CCTV cameras have also been installed to monitor the situation. The funeral of Lake Podami was conducted in the village, drawing thousands of mourners.

The tribal association submitted a seven-point charter of demands to the District Collector. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced ₹4 lakh compensation for the victim’s family from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Top officials, including Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, ADG Sanjeev Panda, and District Collector Somesh Upadhyay, visited the village to oversee law and order arrangements.