Protests have broken out in Malkangiri district following the death of two minor schoolgirls under suspicious circumstances.
Members of the Adivasi Samaj Mahasangh, along with over 20 other tribal and social organizations, organized a massive “Nyaya Satyagraha” (Justice Protest) on Tuesday to demand an impartial investigation and accountability.
Beginning with a rally from the local bus stand, hundreds of women and men marched in unison, chanting slogans against the government and police authorities. The procession culminated in the gherao of the District Magistrate’s office. As part of the protest, National Highway 326 was also blocked for several hours, disrupting traffic. Protesters vowed to intensify their movement if justice was not served.
The tragic incident dates back to February 6, when the two girls from MV-72 Upper Primary School in Kalimela block went missing. Days later, their bodies were found hanging in the forest. Police initially attributed the deaths to asphyxiation, raising serious concerns and protests from tribal communities who allege that the girls were kidnapped, gang-raped, and murdered. Accusations of police inaction and attempts to suppress evidence have further fueled public outrage.
The Adivasi Samaj has issued a memorandum to the District Magistrate demanding a thorough and fair investigation. Tribal leaders have warned that the movement will continue until justice is served and the guilty are punished.
