Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Odisha Extends Internet Ban After Tribal Violence
In a district called Malkangiri in Odisha, India, a tribal woman named Lake Podiami was found dead without her head.
Her family reported her missing, and her body was found a few days later.
After this, some tribal people attacked another village, damaging many houses.
The government stopped the internet for a day to keep people calm.
The police are investigating and have arrested a man named Subha Ranjan Mandal for the murder.
The government is also helping the people affected by the violence by providing food and shelter.
Around 300 people who had left their homes returned after both tribal and Bengali settlers agreed to stop fighting and make peace.
The authorities are also installing cameras and have deployed extra police to keep the area safe.
The Odisha government extended the internet ban in Malkangiri for another 24 hours following violent clashes between tribal and non-tribal communities.
The severed head of 51-year-old tribal woman Lake Podiami was recovered from a river bank, days after her headless body was found.
Violence erupted after the recovery of the body, with around 200 houses damaged in MV-26 village, a settlement of Bengalis.
The police have arrested Subha Ranjan Mandal (42) in connection with the murder, which triggered the violence.
The administration has provided food, blankets, and shelter to around 300 people who fled the violence and are now staying in a temporary shelter.
- Who
- Tribal woman Lake Podiami and residents of Rakhelguda and MV 26 villages
- What
- Violence erupted after the recovery of a headless body, leading to an internet ban and arrests
- When
- December 1-4, 2023, with the internet ban extended on December 6
- Where
- Malkangiri district, Odisha, India
- Why
- To prevent the spread of misinformation and violence after the murder of a tribal woman
- Location
- Malkangiri district, Odisha, India
- Victim
- Lake Podiami (51-year-old tribal woman)
- Incident Date
- December 1-4, 2023
- Internet Ban Duration
- Extended by 24 hours
- Arrested Suspect
- Subha Ranjan Mandal (42)
- Villages Affected
- Rakhelguda and MV 26
- Houses Damaged
- Around 200
- Displaced Residents
- Around 300
Sources
Internet ban extended in Malkangiri
Odisha Bengalis face tribal rage: Homes torched following brutal killing of woman
Odisha’s Malkangiri sees calm return as 300 villagers go back home, internet shut for another day
Two Odisha ministers visit violence-hit Malkangiri
Odisha DCM, Minister Hold Peace Talks in Riot-Hit Malkangiri as Tribal–Settler Tensions Simmer
Ministers rush to Malkangiri as ethnic violence flares amid tribal–Bengali tensions
