Malkangiri Returns to Calm: Villagers Come Home After Violence

Normalcy is slowly returning to a village in Odisha's Malkangiri district after violence forced 300 residents to flee. The unrest followed the discovery of a tribal woman's decapitated body, sparking outrage and retaliation. Authorities have extended an internet suspension and are providing aid to affected residents.

In the wake of violence, normalcy is gradually returning to a village in Odisha's Malkangiri district. Around 300 residents, who had fled the chaos, have returned to their homes after the large-scale attacks on December 7.

The unrest was triggered by the gruesome discovery of a headless body belonging to a 51-year-old tribal woman, Lake Podiami, on December 4. Her disappearance and subsequent murder incited local tribals to vandalize and torch nearly 200 homes in a Bengali settlement, prompting mass evacuation.

Authorities have taken measures to restore peace, including extending the suspension of internet services and deploying security forces. Meanwhile, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder, which ignited the turmoil.

(With inputs from agencies.)