What was meant to be a joyful celebration at the annual Sikaripai Bali Yatra in Rayagada district turned into a nightmare late last night, following a violent, bloody clash that claimed the life of a young man and left another critically injured.
The deceased has been identified as Mahesh Kadraka, while the injured youth, Rohan Kadraka, is currently fighting for his life, receiving medical treatment at Brahmapur.
The brutal incident has sent shockwaves through the region, triggering intense outrage today in the Budaguda area under the Kalyansinghpur block. Enraged by the violence, the family of the victim and hundreds of local residents took to the streets, staging a sit-in demonstration right in front of the local barricades.
The protest completely paralysed traffic along the vital Rayagada-Kalyansinghpur main road, stranding numerous vehicles on both sides and leaving commuters stranded and facing severe difficulties.
Protesters fiercely accused the local police administration of failing to apprehend the main accused hours after the crime. The villagers have issued a stern warning, declaring that their agitation will continue until the perpetrators are swiftly arrested and adequate government assistance and compensation are provided to the grieving family of the deceased.
In response to the escalating tensions, senior police and administrative officials rushed to the spot to pacify the protestors. Additional security forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. Police have seized the body for post-mortem examination and confirmed that multiple raids are underway to trace and capture the absconding accused.
