Medha Patkar Detained in Rayagada Ahead of Anti-Mining Protest

Rayagada: Prominent environmental activist Medha Patkar was reportedly detained by police at Rayagada Railway Station on Wednesday, just hours before she was scheduled to participate in a World Environment Day event in Hatpada under Kashipur block of Odisha’s Rayagada district.

The event was being organized as a platform to protest against proposed mining activities at the Sijimali mines. Patkar, known nationwide for her role in grassroots environmental and human rights movements, was expected to attend the public meeting and express solidarity with the local community resisting the mining project.

However, before she could reach the venue, police allegedly intervened and detained her, reportedly attempting to prevent her from joining the gathering. Sources claim she was taken to an undisclosed location.

The incident has sparked criticism from activists and local groups, who view the move as an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent on environmental issues.