Korukonda: Tension ran high, as residents of Rakhalguda village under this block in Malkangiri district Sunday marched to MV-26 village and allegedly vandalised several houses and set some of them on fire, demanding the arrest of the accused in a case wherein a decapitated body of a woman was found three days back.
Police recovered the body with its head severed near Poteru river under Korukonda police limits in Malkangiri district December 4. The deceased was identified as Lake Padiami, 50, of Rakhalguda. Residents of Rakhalguda and members of a local tribal outfit have alleged that someone from MV-26 village might have committed the murder. They demanded that police trace the missing head and arrest the prime suspects immediately.
With no breakthrough even after three days, hostility between residents of MV-26 and Rakhalguda intensified. Some residents of Rakhalguda and nearby areas reportedly marched to MV-26 Sunday, and vandalised several houses and set some of them on fire.
Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay and SP Vinodh Patil H rushed to the spot along with a large police and administrative team. Officials inspected each house in the village and held discussions with residents, assuring them of protection and support.
Fire personnel doused the fire while sniffer dogs were pressed into service to trace the severed head. The Collector also said compensation would be provided after assessing the damage.
