• Source:JND
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Odisha Violence: In response to escalating tensions and violence between two communities, which erupted after the recovery of a woman's headless body, the Odisha government have extended the ban on access to major social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter), in Malkangiri district.

The ban, which was initially imposed for 24 hours on Monday to prevent the escalation of further tensions and spread of rumours, was extended for another 18 hours. The ban remains in effect until 12 PM on November 10, news agency ANI reported.

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Odisha Violence: Social Media Ban, Internet Suspended, Houses Damaged

- The violence erupted after the discovery of the headless body of 51-year-old widow, Lake Padiami, a resident of Rakhelguda village. The headless body, which was found on the banks of the Poteru River on Thursday, immediately triggered anger and grief among the local tribal communities, who quickly mobilised to organise protests and demand justice for the murder.

- Speaking to ANI, the district administration confirmed that 163 houses were damaged during the violence. To restore and maintain order, security forces have been deployed in the affected areas.

- A scientific team, along with a sniffer-dog squad and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), were deployed to conduct extensive searches in the area to locate the victim's missing head and collect evidence related to the killing.

- Following the unrest, the district administration sought an immediate and complete shutdown of communications to prevent the situation from escalating.

- In response, the state government initially suspended mobile internet, broadband services, and all social media access from 6 PM on December 8 to 6 PM on December 9. However, the ban has now been extended for 18 hours, remaining in force until 12 PM on December 10, to maintain law and order in Malkangiri district.

ALSO READ: Odisha Govt Suspends Internet And Social Media For 24 Hours In Malkangiri After Violent Clashes

- Speaking to reporters, Malkangiri Collector said, "The situation is peaceful now. An agreement has been reached between the two communities. They have named their respective representatives for today's Peace Committee meeting. We are hopeful that normalcy will return.”

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the victim’s family. The woman’s son has already received Rs 30,000, Hindustan Times reported. The last rites of the woman were performed earlier on Monday, following the completion of the post-mortem examination.

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