Day after tribals clash with police, 3 cases registered for attack on cops

Koraput: Three cases were registered at Kashipur police station in Rayagada district on Wednesday, a day after tribal protesters clashed with police, leaving around 70 people injured, including 58 cops.

“Three separate cases have been registered for the attack on police personnel and investigation has been initiated. Necessary action will be taken as per law once the probe is completed,” ADG (law & order) Sanjay Kumar told TOI.

The ADG, along with DIG (South-West Range) Kanwar Vishal Singh, visited the road project site and adjoining areas on Wednesday to assess the situation and review security arrangements.

“The situation is currently under control and adequate force has been deployed. The developments are being closely monitored to prevent any further escalation,” Kumar said.

Rayagada SP Swathy S Kumar said all injured police personnel are stable and responding to treatment. “Six policemen, who were shifted to Visakhapatnam for advanced care, are also recovering,” she added.

On Tuesday, angry tribals armed with axes and sharp objects clashed with police over construction of a road linked to a Vedanta Group bauxite mining block in Rayagada district.

In the aftermath of the violence, villages around Sijimali hills have largely been deserted, with most residents having reportedly fled their homes. Security has been intensified across the region, with regular patrolling, deployment of forces at multiple locations and restrictions on the entry of outsiders.

The unrest centred around a proposed 3km road from Purlong to Shagabari Ghat, which locals fear will pave the way for mining activities in the ecologically sensitive Sijimali hills.

Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, imposed by the Rayagada administration on April 3 restricting assembly of more than four persons near the site, remain in force.