Bhubaneswar: Four persons have been arrested in connection with the killing of a man during a violent clash linked to protests against illegal stone quarrying in Nayagarh district, police said on Monday.
The incident took place in the Odagaon police station area, where locals had been opposing alleged illegal mining activities. The deceased has been identified as Ajit Kumar Sahu, a resident of Bijay Mandap Sahi under Odagaon police limits.
According to police, the situation escalated when protesters intercepted stone-laden vehicles at Kadali Bandh. This allegedly led to a confrontation between local residents and quarry operators, during which Sahu was attacked and killed. Police said he was overpowered and brutally murdered amid the clash, while some other protesters managed to escape.
Following the incident, Odagaon police reached the spot, and later a scientific team from Nayagarh police joined the investigation. Forensic and digital evidence is being collected to establish the sequence of events and identify the roles of those involved.
Police further said that two more key accused, allegedly involved in the direct attack, were arrested later, taking the total number of arrests to four. Interrogation is underway, and raids are continuing to trace others who remain absconding.
Police have also intensified action against illegal stone quarry operations in coordination with the Revenue and Mining departments, and efforts are underway to dismantle illegal mining networks operating in the region.
Police said the situation in the area is now under control and is being closely monitored. They have assured a thorough investigation and stringent action against all those found guilty in the case.
