Rayagada: Six Injured in Violent Land Dispute Clash

Rayagada district witnessed a violent confrontation in Paikamada Khola village under Muniguda block on Thursday, leaving six villagers critically injured.

The clash erupted over a long-standing land dispute when officials failed to arrive for a scheduled demarcation, sparking heated arguments between rival groups.

According to reports, the situation escalated quickly as one group launched a collective assault using sharp weapons and sticks.

Victims, including Debaraj Panigrahi, Somanath Panigrahi, Krushnachandra Panigrahi, Tanu Panigrahi, Raghubir Karakaria, Keshab Karakaria, Keshapati Garadia, and Senapati Garadia, sustained severe injuries, with several suffering head wounds.

The injured were rushed to Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to MKCG Medical College in Berhampur for advanced treatment.

Police confirmed that a formal complaint was lodged by Debaraj Panigrahi. Ambadala IIC Kalpana Behera visited the site, assured swift arrests, and deployed forces to monitor the tense situation.

Authorities revealed that the dispute had persisted for years, and the absence of officials during the crucial demarcation directly triggered the confrontation.

Police investigations are underway, and the situation remains under close watch to prevent further escalation.