A long-standing land dispute in Haripur village, under the jurisdiction of Khaira police station in Odisha's Balasore district, took a tragic turn this week.
The Root of the Conflict: A Deadly Construction Dispute
According to local reports and police statements, the violence erupted on Sunday morning, May 10, while the family of Surendra Sethi was conducting roof centring and slab work for their house.
The Altercation: A neighbouring family, led by Bharat Jena, reportedly objected to the construction, claiming it encroached upon their boundary.
The Attack: The verbal spat quickly escalated into a physical assault. It is alleged that Bharat, along with his wife and son, attacked the Sethi family with shovels and spades.
The Victims: Kamala Sethi sustained fatal injuries, while her sister-in-law, Shakuntala Sethi, remains in critical condition.
A 15-Kilometre March for Justice
Frustrated by what they termed a delay in legal action—as several accused remained at large—the grieving family refused an ambulance and instead mounted Kamala's body on a bicycle-stretcher.
Sit-in Protest: Upon reaching the Khaira police station, they placed the body on the main road, blocking the Sor-Kupari route for over five hours.
Demands: The protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the prime suspect, Manas Jena, and the other absconding family members, alongside compensation for the bereaved.
Police Action and Current Status
Senior police officials, including Balasore SP Pratyush Dibakar and Additional SP Debajyoti Dash, reached the spot to pacify the mob.
One Apprehended: Police confirmed that one person has been apprehended so far in connection with Case No. 123/26.
Tehsildar Intervention: Authorities have assured the family that the underlying land dispute will be formally resolved through the Khaira Tehsildar’s office.
Ongoing Search: An "all-out effort" is underway to capture the remaining suspects who are currently absconding.