Tensa: Hundreds of tribals staged a protest outside K Balang police station and blocked National Highway 520 in Sundaragada district, demanding the arrest of outsider cow vigilantes allegedly involved in the fatal assault on a tribal youth.
Led by Banai MLA Laxman Munda, the protest erupted Monday over alleged police inaction two days after the incident. Carrying sticks, bows and arrows, the protesters marched to the police station and attempted to enter the premises, triggering a scuffle with police personnel.
They later staged a sit-in on NH-520, disrupting traffic. The blockade was lifted after ASP Hrushikesh Nayak, SDPO Ramachandra Biswal and other officials assured them of prompt action against the accused. According to reports, Patu Munda of Relatu village was returning home through a forest road Saturday after purchasing cattle at Gamalei market when a group of youths from outside Odisha allegedly intercepted him at Bimlagarh, accused him of cattle smuggling and brutally assaulted him.
His family lodged a written complaint with K Balang police, but the alleged delay in arrests sparked anger among local tribal communities. Police have registered two cases (241/26 and 242/26) based on complaints from both sides and are investigating the incident.