A violent land dispute in Haripur village under Khaira police limits of Balasore district led to the death of 39‑year‑old Kamala Sethi.
Relatives alleged that neighbours attacked her with a spade during a quarrel over centring work at a house construction site. Kamala succumbed to injuries at SCB Medical College in Cuttack two days later.
On Tuesday morning, her family and villagers carried the body on a trolley for nearly 15 kilometres to Khaira police station. They staged a protest by placing the body on the road, demanding the immediate arrest of all accused and compensation for the family. The demonstration blocked the Sor‑Kupari road for several hours.
Police said they registered case number 123/26 and detained one accused. However, villagers insisted on the arrest of all attackers. The protest drew large crowds and triggered tension in the area.
SP Pratyush Dibakar, Additional SP Niranjan Behera, Sadar SDPO Shubhashu Shekhar Nayak, and local officials reached the spot to pacify the protesters. Authorities assured that all the accused would be arrested soon and the land dispute would be resolved through official intervention. Following assurances, villagers lifted the blockade after five hours.
