Amid growing concerns over rising crime in the Barang police station area, police fired blank shots in the air on Sunday afternoon to bring a violent land dispute confrontation under control near Trishulia Chhak in Kusinda village. Ten individuals were arrested following the incident.
Reports indicate that incidents of theft, dacoity, and looting have been increasing in the area, with allegations of police inaction. Locals have also claimed that groups of young men in luxury vehicles have been openly creating fear while allegedly providing protection to land and sand mafia operators.
The incident took place around 2 PM on Sunday near Trisulia Chhak, where construction work on a project belonging to Trilochana Pradhan (39), managed by a private organisation, was in progress. A group of men arrived in a black Thar SUV, confronted Pradhan over an alleged land transaction dispute, and issued death threats. They brandished weapons, intimidated workers, forced the work to stop, and damaged a JCB machine (registration OD 33EJ 6469).
After locals alerted the Barang police, officers reached the spot and attempted to detain the group. When the individuals tried to flee, police fired blank shots to prevent their escape and regain control. Ten persons were eventually detained and later produced in court.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Bharat Behera alias Litlu (36), Bidanasi, Cuttack Rakesh Behera (26), Dillip Kumar Samal (26), Gopal Sahi, Om Sasmal (23), Ayush Mahanti (22), Baulachhak, Suresh Singh (32), Trishulia village, Santosh Samal (40), Trishulia village, Pupun Behera (22), Niali, Satyaban Samal (22), Phulnakhara, and Siddhant Om Prakash (22), Tamando Patrapada.
Police seized a black Thar SUV (registration OD 05CD 0320), mobile phones, and several weapons from the accused.
The incident has further highlighted concerns about law and order in the Barang area.
