Bhubaneswar, December 8: Malkangiri district has imposed a 24-hour internet shutdown starting at 6 PM today due to rising tensions between two tribal villages. The move follows violent clashes triggered by the brutal murder of a tribal woman, whose headless body was found in a river last week. The suspension aims to curb the spread of rumors and prevent further unrest.

The violence erupted after residents of Rakhelguda village retaliated against MV-26 village over the killing of 51-year-old Lake Padiami. Hundreds of villagers armed with traditional weapons attacked MV-26, vandalizing homes, looting shops, and setting houses on fire. Many villagers fled as the mob advanced.

The district administration has deployed additional security forces, including Odisha Police, Border Security Force, and Odisha Fire Service. Senior officials have visited the area and held a peace meeting with both villages. Two individuals have been detained in connection with the incident, though several MV-26 residents have reportedly fled. A heavy security presence remains in the area.