The Sampadak Express News Desk
Human rights activists have petitioned Odisha Governor Braj Mohan Ram to intervene after a series of arrests targeting people opposing bauxite mining in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, with the request submitted on Monday, October 19, 2026, according to The Hindu.
Activist Prafulla Samantara, who sent the petition, alleged police in both districts were carrying out “indiscriminate arrests” of Dalit and tribal residents involved in protests against the Sijimali bauxite mining project. He said affected communities have the right to question industrial projects and conduct peaceful protests, but claimed demonstrators were being booked on false and fabricated criminal charges as authorities sought to curb dissent.
Activist Ranjana Padhi said two people associated with the resistance to the Sijimali project proposed by the Vedanta Group — identified as Randall Sequeira and Laxman Naik — were picked up from Bhabanipatna in Kalahandi district on October 16. She alleged that family members and lawyers were denied access to the detained activists.
Mr. Samantara also raised concern over tribal leader Lada Sikaka of Niyamgiri, saying he is facing several non-bailable charges in older cases in which his name did not appear in the charge-sheets. He noted that Gram Sabhas had rejected the mining proposal in the Niyamgiri hill range and said there has been no agitation by tribals there, yet they were being “unnecessarily targeted.”
Urging the Governor to review police actions, Mr. Samantara sought intervention to secure the release of those detained, describing the activists as victims of “police repression.”
