Malkangiri (Odisha), December 2025 — Odisha’s southern tribal district of Malkangiri has been gripped by tension and violence after the headless body of a 51-year-old Adivasi woman was found earlier this month. The incident triggered a massive backlash from the local tribal community, leading to arson, destruction of property, curfew, and a district-wide internet shutdown as authorities struggled to restore order.
The victim, identified as Lake Podiami of the Koya tribe, went missing on 1 December. Her body, without the head, was discovered near a riverbank on 4 December, sending shockwaves across the district. The gruesome nature of the murder immediately sparked anger and suspicion among local Adivasi residents, who accused non-tribal Bengali-origin settlers of involvement in the crime.
Violence Erupts After Killing
Tension escalated rapidly when hundreds of agitated tribal residents from nearby villages marched towards MV-26, a Bengali-settler dominated rehabilitation village. Armed with traditional weapons, the mob allegedly set fire to houses and shops, destroyed property, and forced hundreds of residents to flee the area.
Local officials confirmed that over 160 houses were damaged or completely gutted in the attack. Photographs and videos circulating before the internet shutdown showed charred structures, overturned vehicles, and deserted streets, prompting government agencies to describe MV-26 as a “ghost village”.
The administration imposed curfew in the area and suspended both mobile and broadband internet across Malkangiri district. The suspension initially announced for 24 hours, was later extended amid fear of rumours and further mobilisation.
Police Investigation and First Arrest
Following intense pressure from tribal groups, police intensified the search operation to locate the victim’s missing head, which was finally recovered on 10 December from the Poteru riverbank, around 15 kilometres from the earlier discovery point.
The police also arrested one suspect, Subharanjan Mandal, a resident of MV-26. According to senior officials, Mandal allegedly confessed to the killing during interrogation. Investigators claim he provided details about how the body was disposed of, though the motive remains under examination.
“An arrest has been made, and further investigation is underway. We are verifying all angles, including personal dispute, land-related motives, or any other triggers,” a senior police official told reporters.
Thousands Displaced, Government Seeks to Restore Normalcy
The mass arson has displaced hundreds of Bengali-origin families, mostly migrants whose forefathers settled in the region under post-Partition rehabilitation schemes. Emergency shelters were set up in nearby schools and community halls. Police and BSF personnel have been deployed in large numbers to secure MV-26.
Meanwhile, tribal villages are continuing to demand strong action, claiming the killing was a “planned attack” on a Koya woman and part of larger tensions between local tribals and settlers over land rights.
The Odisha government, stepping in quickly, announced financial support to the victim’s family. The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund has approved a compensation of ₹4 lakh and ₹30,000 for funeral expenses. The administration has begun damage assessment for burnt houses and is expected to announce a rehabilitation package for affected families.
District Collector, SP, and local leaders have conducted multiple visits to ensure calm and initiate talks between the two groups.
Seven-Point Demand by Tribal Organisations
Adivasi organisations submitted a seven-point demand to the district administration, calling for decisive action. Their key demands include:
- Capital punishment for the accused.
- Transfer of disputed land in the area to the victim’s family.
- Removal of “unauthorised settlers” from tribal areas.
- Immediate compensation and security for tribal communities.
- Faster investigation and public disclosure of findings.
Tribal leaders argue that settlers have encroached upon traditional tribal land for decades, creating constant conflict. They demand strict enforcement of the Fifth Schedule protections and tribal land rights.
Peace Talks Held Amid Tense Calm
After two days of negotiations, a peace committee meeting involving tribal leaders, Bengali-settler representatives, police, and district administration concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain peace. However, authorities admitted that “the situation remains sensitive”, prompting them to keep the internet shutdown and curfew in place for additional days.
Although no fresh violence has been reported, MV-26 remains heavily guarded. Many displaced families are unwilling to return, fearing renewed attacks. Tribal villages too are under tight security to prevent retaliatory violence.
Historical Fault Lines Resurface
The incident has once again brought to the forefront the delicate ethnic tensions in Malkangiri, a district with a long history of conflict between indigenous Adivasi communities and post-Partition refugee settlers, primarily of Bengali origin.
Tribal groups frequently allege that settlers have encroached upon forest lands, disrupted traditional livelihoods, and influenced local political dynamics. These tensions have been further complicated by socio-economic inequality, poor access to land titles, and perceived administrative bias.
While earlier clashes were sporadic, this incident marks one of the most violent confrontations in recent years.
Experts say structural issues such as land alienation, lack of legal rights, and poor representation of tribal communities are at the root of such conflicts.
State Government Urges Restraint
Senior government officials and political leaders have urged both communities to refrain from spreading rumours or taking the law into their own hands. The government has also warned against communalising the issue.
“Justice will be delivered. A proper investigation will be conducted, and peace will be restored,” the Odisha government said in a statement.
Relief and rebuilding work is expected to continue over the next several weeks, and compensation for affected families will be distributed based on official survey reports.
Current Situation
As of now,
MV-26 remains under curfew,
large contingents of police and BSF are deployed,
internet services are still suspended,
and tension continues to simmer quietly across tribal belts of Malkangiri.
While the arrest has brought some relief, both communities remain wary of each other. The district administration has appealed to villagers to maintain calm and participate in dialogue.
The murder investigation, compensation distribution, and reconstruction efforts are expected to shape the district’s socio-political climate in the coming months.
