Shocking Incident in Odisha: Dalit Men Humiliated Over Cattle Smuggling Allegations
Disturbing Assault on Dalit Men in Ganjam District
Berhampur: In a shocking incident in Ganjam district, Odisha, two Dalit men were subjected to severe humiliation, including half-tonsuring, physical assault, and forced to crawl while consuming grass and drain water, as per police reports on Monday.
The event took place in Jahada, Kharigumma village, under the jurisdiction of Dharakote police station on Sunday, igniting widespread outrage across political and social platforms after videos of the incident circulated online.
While the authenticity of the video remains unverified, the victims, identified as Babula Nayak (54) and Bulu Nayak (42) from Singipur, were transporting two cows and a calf when they were intercepted by a group of self-identified 'cow protectors' who accused them of cattle smuggling.
The mob allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs 30,000 from the men. Upon refusal, they faced brutal physical violence and degrading treatment.
"They were taken to a salon where their heads were partially shaved," a police officer reported.
"Following this, they were compelled to crawl for over a kilometer, fed grass, and made to drink drain water," the officer added.
After escaping from their captors, the victims filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Dharakote police station on Sunday evening.
According to the victims, the cattle were intended as a traditional gift for Babula's daughter's wedding.
On Monday, police apprehended six individuals in connection with the assault and partial tonsuring of the victims.
Ganjam Superintendent of Police Suvendu Kumar Patra confirmed that a case has been registered and that efforts are underway to locate additional suspects.
"The initial investigation indicates that the attackers were motivated by extortion rather than genuine animal protection," police stated.
Authorities are also looking into the purpose of the cattle transport, although the victims maintain they were for personal use related to a wedding.
Sangram Nayak, convenor of the Ganjam District Dalit Mahasangh, condemned the incident, stating, "We denounce this horrific caste-based violence. A statewide protest will be organized to demand justice and strict action against those responsible."
Former PCC chief Niranjan Patnaik expressed his heartbreak on social media, stating, "It pains me to write this. Two young Dalit men in Ganjam district were humiliated and tortured—heads half-shaved, forced to crawl 2 km, made to eat grass and drink sewage water. And for what? Just for buying a cow for their daughter's wedding. Hate has become normalized. Caste violence is on the rise. In Odisha, justice feels far away, almost non-existent. Why is our Chief Minister @MohanMOdisha silent?"