Bhubaneswar: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has strongly condemned the alleged police repression at Sijimali and announced the formation of a team to investigate the incident.
Tensions escalated in Sijimali, Rayagada April 7, when a group of tribal villagers reportedly confronted police personnel who had arrived to execute non-bailable warrants against certain accused individuals. The situation quickly turned violent, with villagers allegedly pelting stones and engaging in a fierce clash with the police.
The confrontation left at least 58 police personnel injured, along with several villagers. OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das has constituted an inquiry team comprising senior party leaders. The team will be led by Koraput MP and All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for the North-Eastern region, Saptagiri Ulaka.
Former Minister Suresh Rautray has been appointed as co-chairperson. Other members include senior legislators Taraprasad Bahinipati, Satyajit Gamang, Pabitra Sauta, and Mangu Khilla.