Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today submitted a detailed memorandum to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), through its Regional Office in Bhubaneswar, seeking urgent intervention into the tragic death of Ettua Ekka, a tribal protester from Barkani village, Sundargarh district.
The memorandum highlights the grave violation of tribal rights and the alarming administrative apathy that led to Mr. Ekka’s death on April 20, 2025, during a peaceful protest against the expansion of a railway line for the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
Mr. Ekka, a 35-year-old member of the local tribal community, was reportedly crushed to death by an excavator in the presence of Police, law enforcement and RSP officials while trying to prevent the encroachment of community land. The incident has sparked grief, anger, and fear across the region, with serious concerns raised regarding police conduct, misuse of force, and criminalization of peaceful protesters.
The memorandum submitted to the NCST calls for, A suo motu inquiry by the Commission; an independent investigation into Mr. Ekka’s death and the role of local authorities; FIRs to be registered against responsible officials and RSP personnel; Protection of tribal land rights and review of past acquisitions; Withdrawal of FIRs lodged against innocent tribal protesters; A structured process of dialogue and mediation between the administration and tribal communities.
The BJD delegation emphasized that this is not merely a law-and-order issue but a matter of tribal dignity, justice, and constitutional protection. It called upon the Commission to act decisively to ensure accountability and prevent such state-sponsored injustices to common man in general and tribals in particulars in future, in the future. The Biju Janata Dal remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Odisha’s tribal communities and will continue to raise its voice against injustice.
The delegation team includes Smt. Snehangini Chhuria, Senior Leader, Media Coordinators Dr. Priyabrata Majhi, Dr. Lenin Mohanty, Smt. Bharati Singh, Smt. Ranjita Sahoo, Ipsita Sahoo, Biswapratap Sahoo and Arup Srichandan.