Balasore: In a shocking protest against alleged police inaction, the family members of a 39-year-old woman who was allegedly hacked to death in Haripur village under Khaira police limits in Balasore district carried her body on a bicycle for nearly 15 km to Khaira police station on Tuesday, demanding justice and immediate arrest of the accused.The deceased, Kamala Sethi, died following a violent clash between two neighbouring families over a long-standing land dispute linked to roof construction work. Her sister-in-law, Shakuntala Sethi, sustained critical injuries in the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.According to reports, tensions between the families of Surendra Sethi and Manas Jena had been simmering for nearly five years over the disputed land. The situation allegedly turned violent on May 10 when members of the Jena family attacked Kamala and Shakuntala with sharp weapons and a hammer. Kamala died on the spot, while Shakuntala was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.After Kamala’s body was brought back from Cuttack on Monday night, her relatives and villagers placed the body on a bicycle and marched nearly 15 km to Khaira police station on Tuesday as a mark of protest. Surendra Sethi, brother of the deceased, alleged that despite several days having passed since the incident, police failed to deliver justice. “We were left humiliated and helpless. Carrying my sister’s body on a bicycle to the police station was the only way to make our voices heard,” he said.The family alleged that both the local police and the village sarpanch had ignored repeated complaints regarding the land dispute over the past five years. “The police failed to act despite being aware of the dispute for years. We demand immediate arrest of all those involved in the murder,” Surendra added.On reaching the police station, the protesters placed the body at the entrance and staged a road blockade on the Soro–Kupari road, disrupting traffic for more than three hours. The protest drew widespread attention, with several villagers joining in solidarity and demanding strict action against the accused as well as compensation for the bereaved family.SP (Balasore) Pratyush Diwaker said a murder case had been registered and police had already arrested one accused. Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining two accused, who are absconding,” the SP said. He said police offered ambulance services and security assistance to the family, but they chose to continue the protest march. “The investigation is progressing, and all accused will be arrested soon. If any lapses are found on the part of the police, strict action will be taken. We will ensure justice is delivered,” he added.
