On Tuesday, violent clashes broke out in Sagabari village, located in Rayagada district, Odisha, between local tribals and police over a road project associated with the Sijimali bauxite mine. Approximately 40 police personnel were injured, with at least seven in critical condition, as protesters allegedly attacked the police with stones and sharp weapons. The confrontation began when police were deployed to facilitate the construction of a 3-kilometre road intended to provide access to the mining site. Local residents have been protesting against the project due to concerns over land rights, environmental impacts, and threats to their livelihoods. The Sijimali bauxite mine, auctioned to Vedanta Ltd in March 2023, is estimated to hold 311 million tonnes of bauxite, with plans to produce 9 million tonnes annually. The project has faced regulatory hurdles, including deferrals from the Union environment ministry regarding forest land diversion and allegations of fabricated approvals from local village councils. Following the clashes, police fired tear gas to control the situation, and prohibitory orders were imposed to restrict gatherings near the project site. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.