Rourkela, once celebrated for its harmonious and orderly environment, is now reeling under a wave of violence that has left its residents terrified.
In just five days, from April 9 to April 13, 2025, Ispat Nagar has witnessed four gruesome murders, shaking the community’s sense of safety and security. The sudden surge in violent crimes, coupled with increasing incidents of theft, robbery, and drug trafficking, has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating law-and-order situation in this industrial hub of Odisha.
The first incident occurred on April 9 in the bustling VSS Market Complex of Chhend Colony. A group clash turned deadly, claiming the life of Mukesh Kar, a young man whose death plunged his family into despair. The tragedy unfolded in broad daylight, highlighting the audacity of the perpetrators. On the same day, another life was snuffed out in the Plant Site police station area, where a ragpicker was brutally murdered. The violence continued unabated, with a third killing reported on April 12 in the Malgodam area. Here, a heated altercation between neighbours Mukesh Khadia and Bhola Singh, both allegedly intoxicated, escalated into a fatal attack. Khadia struck Singh with a screwdriver, leading to Singh’s death later that evening at Rourkela Government Hospital.
The fourth and most recent murder occurred on April 13 near the STI Railway Gate, where the body of Amrit Mahakud, a daily wage labourer, was found with his throat slit. The Raghunathpalli police swiftly arrested Bikas Gochhayat in connection with the crime, recovering a knife believed to be the murder weapon. Mahakud’s sister, Kainta Mahakud, filed a written complaint, prompting an ongoing investigation.
These incidents have not only claimed lives but also exposed deeper issues plaguing Rourkela. The city is grappling with a growing menace of drug trafficking, with substances like ganja, brown sugar, cocaine, and charas reportedly being peddled openly in its lanes. Residents allege that drugs are even being sold disguised as cigarettes, ensnaring the youth in a dangerous cycle of addiction and crime.
The rapid succession of murders has left the police on edge, despite their claims of proactive measures. The Rourkela police have launched investigations into each case, with the arrest in the STI Railway Gate murder offering some hope.
However, the community is demanding more than just reactive measures. Residents feel that the police need to intensify patrols, crack down on drug networks, and restore the city’s tarnished sense of security.
As fear grips Rourkela, the city’s once-vibrant streets now echo with unease. The spate of murders has shattered the illusion of safety, leaving citizens questioning whether their home can reclaim its reputation as a beacon of harmony. For now, Rourkela waits anxiously for justice and a return to peace.
