A 48-hour bandh has paralyzed Mayurbhanj district as the Tribal Unity Forum demands the release of 34 arrested community members.
The shutdown has shuttered schools, offices, and markets in Rairangpur, Bahalda, and Tiring, while traffic on National Highway 220 remains at a standstill.
The unrest stems from a communal clash in Binjhuwa village triggered by the alleged harassment of a minor tribal girl by a local youth.
The situation escalated when a scuffle broke out between villagers and police during the subsequent investigation, leading to the arrests.
Protesters argue the arrests were unjust, turning the district into a sea of blockades. While security forces are monitoring the situation to prevent further violence, the complete halt of commerce and transport highlights the deep-seated tension following the incident.
Authorities are now under pressure to balance law enforcement with communal harmony.