Dalit Men Assaulted in Odisha Over Cow Smuggling Allegations

In a shocking incident in Odisha's Ganjam district, two Dalit men were assaulted and humiliated by a group accusing them of cow smuggling. The men were forced to crawl and consume grass after refusing to pay a ransom. Authorities have detained six individuals in connection with the case, and a police investigation is underway. This incident raises serious concerns about the treatment of marginalized communities in India. Read on to learn more about the details of this disturbing event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2025, 14:13 IST

Incident Overview

In a troubling incident in Ganjam district, Odisha, two Dalit individuals were reportedly assaulted and had their heads shaved by a group accusing them of cow smuggling. This event occurred on Sunday, as reported by a local news outlet.

On Monday, authorities detained six individuals in connection with the assault, according to Ganjam's Superintendent of Police, Suvendu Kumar Patra.

The victims, identified as Babula Nayak, aged 54, and Bulu Nayak, aged 42, were transporting two cows and a calf in an auto when they were confronted by a group of self-proclaimed 'cow protectors' in Kharigumma village, as stated by an unnamed police source.

The group accused the men of cattle smuggling and demanded a ransom of Rs 30,000. Upon their refusal, the men were subjected to violence, forced to crawl, and made to consume grass and drain water, the police official reported.

Additionally, the assailants confiscated the victims' mobile phones and Rs 700 in cash, as detailed in the news report.

Following the incident, the police initiated a case based on the complaint filed by the assaulted men, as confirmed by Chandrika Swain, an inspector at the Dharakote police station in Ganjam.