Violent clash in Odisha over Bauxite Mine road leaves 50 injured

Nearly 50 people , including around 40 security personnel , were injured on Tuesday after a violent clash broke out between police and local tribals in Rayagada district over the construction of a road leading to the proposed Sijimali bauxite mine .

The incident occurred at Shagabari village under the Kashipur block, where local tribal communities have been strongly opposing the road project. The road is being built to facilitate access to the mine, a project allotted by the Odisha government to a private company. Residents have long resisted the project, citing concerns over displacement, environmental degradation, and loss of livelihood .

According to officials, tensions escalated when police and district administration personnel reached the site to oversee the construction work and engage with protesters. The situation turned violent as demonstrators allegedly hurled stones and bricks and attacked security forces with sharp weapons such as swords and axes in an attempt to halt the work.

Additional Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar said that of the injured personnel, at least 10 sustained head injuries and were admitted to the district headquarters hospital. Several protesters were also reported injured.

Senior district officials, including Collector Kulkarni Ashutosh C, rushed to the spot and held discussions with the agitating tribals to defuse tensions.

Following the incident, the administration imposed prohibitory orders in the area to maintain law and order and prevent further escalation.

The clash underscores the ongoing friction between development projects and tribal communities in Odisha’s mineral-rich regions, where disputes over land rights and environmental concerns frequently trigger unrest.