Five dead in clash between nomadic groups in Odisha’s Sundargarh
By : Akshaya Kumar Sahoo
Update: 2024-10-30 05:23 GMT
Bhubaneswar: A violent confrontation between two nomadic communities late Tuesday night left five people dead in the Karamdihi area of Odisha’s Sundargarh district. The fatal clash, which involved sharp-edged weapons, is believed to have stemmed from a suspected extramarital relationship.
The conflict unfolded between a group from Maharashtra's Wardha district and another nomadic tribe that has been residing temporarily in Karamdihi to sell goods for their livelihood. Among the victims were three women and a child, identified as Chamma Bhosle (45), Subash Pawar (23), Charan Kumar (45), Kaila Kumar (35), and 12-year-old Dani Kuda.
Sources allege that the tensions began when Abinash Pawar, a member of the Wardha group residing in Karamdihi with his family, learned that his first wife had developed an extramarital relationship with a man from the rival tribe. This reportedly led to her elopement, after which Pawar brought another woman from the opposing community into his household, aggravating the already fragile relationship between the groups.
On Monday night, as Pawar’s group slept, the rival faction allegedly launched a surprise attack, killing five people on the spot and leaving several others critically injured. The assailants reportedly abducted Pawar’s second partner and two children before fleeing the area.
Western Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Brijesh Ray, arrived at the crime scene with a forensic team and dog squad. “The area has been cordoned off, and an investigation is underway. Five individuals, including three women, lost their lives, and four others are undergoing treatment at Sundargarh District Headquarters Hospital,” DIG Ray confirmed.
Local law enforcement agencies have intensified security measures, alerting neighboring districts of Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, while closely monitoring bus terminals and railway stations. “Forensic teams are actively gathering evidence, and we anticipate capturing the suspects soon,” DIG Ray added.
The conflict unfolded between a group from Maharashtra's Wardha district and another nomadic tribe that has been residing temporarily in Karamdihi to sell goods for their livelihood. Among the victims were three women and a child, identified as Chamma Bhosle (45), Subash Pawar (23), Charan Kumar (45), Kaila Kumar (35), and 12-year-old Dani Kuda.
Sources allege that the tensions began when Abinash Pawar, a member of the Wardha group residing in Karamdihi with his family, learned that his first wife had developed an extramarital relationship with a man from the rival tribe. This reportedly led to her elopement, after which Pawar brought another woman from the opposing community into his household, aggravating the already fragile relationship between the groups.
On Monday night, as Pawar’s group slept, the rival faction allegedly launched a surprise attack, killing five people on the spot and leaving several others critically injured. The assailants reportedly abducted Pawar’s second partner and two children before fleeing the area.
Western Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Brijesh Ray, arrived at the crime scene with a forensic team and dog squad. “The area has been cordoned off, and an investigation is underway. Five individuals, including three women, lost their lives, and four others are undergoing treatment at Sundargarh District Headquarters Hospital,” DIG Ray confirmed.
Local law enforcement agencies have intensified security measures, alerting neighboring districts of Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, while closely monitoring bus terminals and railway stations. “Forensic teams are actively gathering evidence, and we anticipate capturing the suspects soon,” DIG Ray added.