Baripada: Tension prevailed in Mayurbhanj district on Friday after locals blocked National Highway 220 near Bahalda under Tiring police station limits, protesting the alleged molestation of a tribal woman by a young man.
According to reports, agitated villagers placed the victim on a cot on the middle of the road and staged a blockade, bringing traffic movement on the highway to a halt. The demonstrators demanded immediate justice for the woman and the arrest of the accused.
As news of the incident spread, police personnel rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control and clear the road blockade. Officials attempted to persuade the protesters to withdraw the agitation, but tensions escalated during the discussions, leading to a brief pushing and shoving situation between the police and the crowd.
Meanwhile, the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Rairangpur, said the accused youth has already been detained at the Rairangpur Town Police Station. However, no formal complaint has yet been filed by the victim or her family.
Police said efforts are underway to pacify the agitated villagers and restore normalcy in the area. A large police force has been deployed at the site to prevent any further escalation of the situation and to maintain law and order.
