Overview
- Police recorded 298 arrests tied to the riots and 61 arrests in the lynching cases during the 20‑month period.
- Incidents were concentrated in Balasore and Khurda, with 24 and 16 riot cases respectively, and were also reported in Koraput, Malkangiri and Bhadrak.
- Mob‑lynching cases were registered in Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Balasore and Rayagada, where three cases were linked to witchcraft suspicion.
- The government says it is using police‑station level peace committees, strengthened intelligence gathering and strict legal action to prevent recurrence.
- Recent reporting notes curfews and internet suspensions in several towns, with many accused described as members of right‑wing outfits and the Opposition criticizing rising tensions.