Shocking Assault on Dalit Men in Odisha Sparks National Outrage

Arrests Made in Disturbing Case of Public Humiliation

Berhampur: On Thursday, Odisha Police apprehended the primary suspect involved in the brutal assault and public shaming of two Dalit individuals in Dharakote, Ganjam district, linked to accusations of cattle smuggling.

The arrest of 20-year-old Rajesh Samal from Jahada brings the total number of arrests in this case to 12, including one minor, according to police reports.

Chandrika Swain, the inspector in charge of the Dharakote police station, stated, "A manhunt is underway for additional suspects connected to this incident."

The incident occurred on Sunday when Babula Nayak (54) and Bulu Nayak were stopped by the accused while transporting two cows and a calf in an auto-rickshaw. Rajesh Samal and his accomplices subjected them to severe mistreatment, suspecting them of being cattle smugglers.

Authorities revealed that the assailants demanded a ransom of Rs 30,000 and forced the victims to crawl for approximately 2 kilometers on the road, even making them consume grass and drink from a drain.

The victims insisted they were not involved in cattle smuggling but were instead transporting the animals as gifts for Babula Nayak's daughter's wedding. However, their pleas were ignored, leading to the horrific treatment they endured.

This incident has ignited widespread outrage across India, prompting calls for strict action from prominent political figures, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

In response, the Congress party has dispatched a fact-finding team to the Dharakote area to support the victims.

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Ram Chandra Panda commended the state government for its prompt action, noting the arrest of 12 individuals.

A district administration team, led by Sub-Collector Uma Shankar Behera, has visited the victims' homes, providing Rs 10,000 each from the Red Cross fund.

Panda emphasized that while the police conduct their investigation, it should remain free from political interference, asserting that the Mohan Majhi government is vigilant regarding such sensitive issues.