A simmering dispute over the naming of a local market between Kotapalla and Ostapura villages under Baghamari police limits in Khordha erupted into violence, leaving several injured and prompting heavy police deployment.
For two days, tensions escalated as villagers from both sides clashed over the proposed nameplate installation. Authorities, including the Begunia Tahasildar and senior police officials, attempted to mediate and install the signboard, but were met with resistance.
Villagers detained police personnel for nearly two hours, forcing law enforcement to deploy 1.5 platoons and impose Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita indefinitely.
The conflict turned violent on Thursday afternoon, with stone-pelting and vandalism reported. Around 10–15 shops were damaged in the market area. Commuters on the Simor-Banki PWD road faced disruptions, and a local primary school was shut for two days due to safety concerns.
Efforts to restore peace are ongoing, but the situation remains tense.
