Bhubaneswar: On Tuesday, April 7, a clash over the construction of a road to the Sijimali bauxite mine in Odisha’s Rayagada district left nearly 50 people injured, including 40 security personnel. Officials reported that local tribals vehemently opposed the road construction at Shagabari village in the Kashipur block. The protesters allegedly threw stones and attacked police and district administration officials with swords, axes, and other sharp weapons in an effort to halt the construction.

Visuals shared online depict local authorities, including Collector Kulkarni Ashutosh C, alongside police officers, urging the tribal community to disperse. A group of tribal women from Kantamal village reported that police fired shells at them while they slept at midnight, claiming that armed officers cut off their electricity and assaulted the villagers, resulting in numerous injuries.

“Of the 40 police personnel injured in the incident, 10 have sustained head injuries and have been admitted to the district headquarters hospital in Rayagada. The protesters hurled stones and bricks and attacked the police when they attempted to calm the situation,” stated Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Sanjay Kumar in a report to PTI.

Residents in the Kashipur area have opposed the Sijimali bauxite mine project since the Odisha government awarded it to a private company. The administration was facilitating the construction of a road to the mine. An official noted that Collector Kulkarni was on-site, engaging in discussions with the protesting tribals. To maintain law and order, the district administration has enforced a prohibitory order in Shagabari village.