⚖️ Court orders probe into police action against tribal villagers
The Orissa High Court has ordered the Rayagada district administration to investigate alleged police excesses against tribal villagers. This action stemmed from a public interest litigation filed by Purushottam Hikaka and seven others in the Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. The allegations involve police raiding homes and arresting 21 villagers, including 10 women, on March 10. Villagers are protesting the bauxite mining due to fears it will harm local water sources and livelihoods. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on September 2.