Bhubaneswar, April 7: Violent clashes erupted in Rayagada district, Odisha, on Tuesday as police clashed with tribal protesters opposing a road project linked to the Sijimali bauxite mine. Over 50 people were injured, including more than 30 police.
The violence occurred in Sagabari village, where locals have been resisting the construction of a 3-km road connecting Purulang to Sagabari Ghati, intended to access the mining site assigned to Vedanta Ltd. Tribals argue that the project threatens their land, forests, water sources, and livelihoods in the ecologically sensitive area.
Protests intensified when villagers attempted to block the roadwork and confronted police. Authorities deployed armed forces after previous discussions with local representatives. The situation escalated when police used tear gas and fired on the crowd, while protesters retaliated with stones and weapons, causing a violent confrontation. Thirty-three police personnel were seriously injured, including senior officers, with some being referred to hospitals in Visakhapatnam.
Local activists have criticized the use of excessive force, alleging violations of tribal rights. They called for dialogue instead of repression. In response, the district administration imposed restrictions on public gatherings to prevent further unrest.
This incident adds to a series of confrontations over the Sijimali bauxite mining project, which Vedanta won in a 2023 auction. The project, expected to produce 9 million tonnes of bauxite annually, faces ongoing legal challenges, particularly concerning the approval process and forest land diversion.
