Odisha and Andhra Pradesh police face off at Kotia border
Seven police platoons and nine magistrates have been deployed to the Neredivalasa border following an altercation between officials from both states.
Police personnel from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh engaged in a standoff at the Neredivalasa border in the Kotia village group on Tuesday, according to The New Indian Express. The confrontation occurred when Andhra Pradesh police and local residents allegedly tried to enter an Odisha panchayat for election-related activities.
The situation escalated when people from the Andhra Pradesh side reportedly removed an Odisha check-post and attempted to damage a police outpost. Koraput sub-collector Fabi Rasheed said the Andhra Pradesh police and accompanying locals tried to disrupt peace by breaking barricades and removing the check-post to enter Odisha territory.
During the incident, some women allegedly damaged Odisha government property and scuffled with state police. Sub-collector Rasheed stated that the Andhra Pradesh police and their group eventually withdrew after being warned by Odisha officials, adding that the situation is now under control.
To maintain law and order, seven platoons of police and nine magistrates have been deployed to the area. Senior administrative and police officials are currently monitoring the border to prevent further escalation.
Political leaders have reacted to the incident, with BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty calling for immediate central intervention. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das condemned the Andhra Pradesh government for repeated intrusions and urged Kotia residents to boycott the neighbouring state's panchayat elections.