Dumka, Oct. 4: The presence of police at Amrapahari, a sleepy hamlet under Ramghar block, may have postponed violence and Bithlaha (traditional punishment) earlier announced by tribals against residents but tension runs high.

Tribals have targeted residents of the village, located 35km from Dumka district headquarters, for protecting village youth Manish Modi accused of raping a tribal student of Class X.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made at Bhuskibari and Amrapahari hamlets. DSPs Chandan Sinha and Bidhi Chandra Ram, and SDO Ranjan Choudhury have set up camp at the villages and Section 144 has been imposed on Bhuskibari and Amrapahari and seven other villages.

The entire village looked deserted today. Women have already migrated to distant places fearing an attack. “We may be safe today due to police but when the police move from here, the tribals will attack us,” said villager Khagan Mandal.