Malkangiri, Odisha: In a gruesome development that has shocked the state of Odisha, the severed head of a 51-year-old tribal woman, whose body had been discovered earlier this month, was recovered from a riverbank in Malkangiri district on Wednesday. The Odisha government, responding to ongoing violence in the district, extended the suspension of internet services for another 24 hours to prevent the escalation of unrest and ensure public safety.

The victim, Lake Podiami, hailed from Rakhelguda village, and had been missing since December 1. Her family filed a missing persons complaint on December 3, following which authorities launched a search operation. Tragically, on December 4, Podiami’s headless body was discovered, marking the beginning of one of the most disturbing incidents in recent memory in the tribal-dominated district. The subsequent recovery of her severed head on Wednesday took place approximately 15 kilometers from the site where her body had been found. The head was located on the Poteru riverbank, near a Kanya Ashram, drawing attention to the deliberate and brutal nature of the crime.

Authorities confirmed that the head was being examined meticulously as part of ongoing investigations. Police officials are working to establish the sequence of events and the circumstances that led to this violent murder. The recovery of the head is expected to provide critical forensic evidence that may aid in identifying the motives and culprits behind the crime. “After recovery of the severed head, the police are undertaking detailed investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the woman’s murder,” an officer stated.

In light of the severity of the incident and the ensuing communal tensions, the Odisha government extended internet service suspension across Malkangiri district for 24 hours. This move follows the recommendation of the Malkangiri District Collector, Somesh Kumar Upadhyay, who stressed that maintaining public order and preventing the spread of misinformation were critical at this juncture. Earlier, the internet suspension had been in effect until noon on Wednesday, but the government deemed it necessary to prolong the restrictions to curb the escalation of violence.

The district administration had already imposed prohibitory orders in two villages, Rakhelguda and MV-25, to prevent further clashes and maintain peace. These measures remain in force, with police and security personnel deployed strategically to ensure compliance and safeguard vulnerable communities.

The murder of Lake Podiami ignited a wave of violence in Malkangiri, highlighting the fragile communal harmony in the region. Reports indicate that on Sunday afternoon, following the discovery of Podiami’s headless body, a large group of tribal residents from Rakhelguda allegedly attacked MV-26 village, which is predominantly inhabited by Bengali settlers. During this attack, around 200 houses were damaged, some of which were set on fire, causing widespread panic and displacement. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos, with residents fleeing for safety as tribal mobs went on a rampage. The violence underscored the deep-rooted tensions between communities in the district and the potential for a single criminal act to trigger broader unrest.

In response to the violence, the district administration quickly mobilized resources to provide relief and support to affected communities. A free kitchen was established in MV-26 village to ensure that displaced residents had access to food, blankets, and other essential supplies. Approximately 300 people who had fled the village due to the violence have since returned and are being accommodated in temporary shelters provided by the administration. The government’s efforts aim to restore normalcy and reassure citizens that public safety and welfare remain top priorities.

Police investigations have led to the arrest of Subha Ranjan Mandal, who has been charged with the murder of Lake Podiami. The apprehension of Mandal marks a significant development in the case, although authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the crime, including whether there were any accomplices or wider networks involved. Law enforcement officials are expected to carry out further questioning and forensic analyses in the coming days to ensure that the investigation proceeds comprehensively.

The murder and subsequent violence have raised serious concerns about law and order in Malkangiri, a district known for its tribal population and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Authorities are particularly wary of the potential for misinformation and rumors to spread rapidly via social media, which could exacerbate tensions and lead to further unrest. The extended internet suspension is thus seen as a preventive measure to contain the situation and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct investigations without interference or provocation.

The incident has also prompted the state government to review the security apparatus in tribal-dominated regions, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent communal clashes and protect vulnerable populations. District officials have been instructed to maintain constant communication with village heads and local leaders to ensure that communities remain calm and cooperative during the investigation.

Meanwhile, forensic teams are examining both the body and the severed head of Lake Podiami to collect evidence that could be crucial in establishing the timeline of the crime, the weapon used, and other investigative leads. Senior police officials have indicated that the crime appears premeditated, given the brutality involved and the separation of the head from the body. These elements point to a deliberate attempt to instill fear within the local community, further underscoring the seriousness of the case.

The state government has also appealed to the public for restraint and cooperation with law enforcement authorities. Officials have emphasized that justice will be served and that those responsible for the murder and subsequent violence will face the full extent of the law. Public officials have called upon community leaders to mediate and help restore peace, while the administration continues to monitor developments closely.

The burial of Lake Podiami’s body took place on Tuesday amid tight security and in the presence of senior officers, reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining order and dignity for the victim even in the face of widespread unrest. The administration ensured that the burial proceeded smoothly without any further incidents, providing a measure of closure to the grieving family.

While the arrest of Subha Ranjan Mandal is a critical step in the investigation, authorities remain cautious and vigilant given the potential for retaliatory actions or further communal tensions. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain heightened security across the district, particularly in villages with mixed populations, to prevent any escalation.

This tragic incident and its aftermath highlight the challenges faced by tribal-dominated regions in Odisha, where longstanding socio-economic disparities, inter-community tensions, and limited resources can combine to create volatile situations. The government’s swift actions—ranging from internet suspension and imposition of prohibitory orders to relief efforts and arrests—reflect an attempt to balance law enforcement with humanitarian considerations, ensuring that both justice and public safety are prioritized.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the full circumstances behind Lake Podiami’s murder, bringing all perpetrators to justice, and preventing further violence. The district administration, in coordination with state authorities, is closely monitoring developments and remains committed to restoring peace and normalcy in Malkangiri.

This case has also sparked broader conversations about the safety of tribal communities, the protection of women in remote areas, and the role of law enforcement in preventing communal conflicts. Analysts note that sustained attention and effective governance will be critical in ensuring that incidents of this nature do not recur and that vulnerable populations can live without fear.

In conclusion, the recovery of Lake Podiami’s severed head, the ensuing violence, and the measures taken by the Odisha government underscore the fragility of communal harmony in Malkangiri and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining law and order. With continued vigilance, investigation, and community engagement, officials hope to bring closure to the family of the victim, prevent further unrest, and ensure that justice is delivered to those responsible for this heinous crime.