Violence Erupts in Malkangiri After Woman’s Headless Body Found

Malkangiri: Tension flared in Malkangiri district on Sunday after the discovery of a woman’s headless body triggered large-scale violence in MV-26 and Rakhelguda villages under Mariwada Panchayat. Over 50 houses were set ablaze, several shops were looted, and multiple vehicles were damaged as unrest swept through the region.

The deceased woman was identified as Lake Padiami (51), a widow from Rakhelguda. Her body was found on December 4 along a riverbank, sparking outrage among local tribal communities who demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and recovery of the missing head.

According to reports, more than a hundred villagers gathered in Rakhelguda on Saturday to warn the police and press for swift action. The situation escalated on Sunday when hundreds of tribal men and women, armed with traditional weapons, assembled in MV-26 village.

Korukonda police rushed to the spot and attempted to pacify the crowd, urging them not to take the law into their own hands. However, the appeals went unheeded. By around 4 p.m., the mob began vandalising properties, breaking into homes, looting shops, and setting houses on fire, leading to widespread destruction.

In response, senior district officials—including Malkangiri SP Vinodh Patil H, District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay, Sub-Collector Ashni AL, and ADM Bedabara Pradhan—visited the affected villages. Police teams led by IICs from Malkangiri, Korukonda, and Balimela police stations were also deployed. Over 100 police personnel and BSF jawans have been stationed in the area to restore order.

Villagers spent the night in fear as authorities continued efforts to stabilise the situation. Police have begun an investigation into the murder and the subsequent violence, while measures are underway to calm tensions and ensure safety in the affected region.