Bhograi: An alleged attempt by West Bengal authorities to undertake road construction inside Odisha territory was foiled Sunday after local residents protested, prompting intervention by the district administration.
Officials from the Revenue department of Ramnagar block in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, along with the Digha–Shankarpur Development Authority, allegedly intruded into Odisha territory near Shahabajipur village under Bhograi block in Balasore district and began laying a concrete road along the Chandaneswar–Digha route.
Villagers from the bordering area strongly opposed the move, leading to heated arguments between both sides and a tense situation for several hours.
On receiving information, Bhograi Additional Tehsildar Prajnaparamita reached the spot along with police personnel.
The authorities seized a road roller machine being used for the construction work and took it to Talasari Marine police station.
In a separate incident, locals intercepted a sand-laden dumper truck allegedly heading towards West Bengal through the same route and handed it over to the Talasari Marine police.
Sources said a closed-door meeting was reportedly held at a hotel Sunday evening by West Bengal administrative officials and representatives of the Digha–Shankarpur Development Authority to discuss strategy following the incident.
The development comes amid ongoing boundary sensitivities involving Odisha. While a long-standing border dispute persists between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the Kotia region, similar tensions along the Odisha–West Bengal border have also surfaced periodically.
Residents alleged that parts of Shankhamedi village have effectively come under West Bengal’s control, and repeated attempts have been made to assert influence in border villages such as Udaypur, Shahabajipur and Shagada Sahi through road construction activities.
Bhograi MLA Gautam Buddha Das has taken serious note of the incident and apprised the district administration.
He urged border residents to remain vigilant in safeguarding their land, identity and mother tongue.
Further administrative action is awaited.