Berhampur, June 24: The Congress Party expressed deep concern on Tuesday regarding the alleged torture of two Dalit men in Odisha’s Ganjam district, who were reportedly assaulted and humiliated on suspicion of cattle smuggling.
In response, the party has set up a five-member fact-finding committee to probe the incident.
The two victims, Babula Nayak (54) and Bulu Nayak (42), both residents of Singipur, were allegedly subjected to severe torture, including being tonsured, assaulted, and forced to crawl on their knees while consuming grass and drinking drain water.
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The police have detained seven individuals in connection with the incident, which occurred at Jahada in Kharigumma village, under the Dharakote Police Station jurisdiction, on Sunday. Authorities have charged the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das condemned the incident and formed the fact-finding committee late Monday night. The five-member panel, led by Rama Chandra Kadam, the leader of the Congress legislature party, is tasked with investigating the matter. The committee also includes OPCC Vice President Lalatendu Mohapatra, MLA Ramesh Jena, General Secretary Subarna Nayak, and Secretary Tuleswar Nayak.
According to police reports, the two Dalit men were transporting cows and a calf from Hariour to their village when they were apprehended by a group of self-styled "cow protectors" in Kharigumma. The men were accused of cattle smuggling and allegedly asked to pay Rs 30,000 in ransom. When the victims refused, they were assaulted and humiliated.
“The attackers shaved their heads partially, forced them to crawl on their knees for more than a kilometer, fed them grass, and made them drink drain water,” a police officer said. Following their escape, the victims filed an FIR at Dharakote Police Station.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the IPC, as well as the SC/ST Act, and stated that preliminary investigations suggest that the attackers were more interested in extorting money than protecting animals.
“This is a heinous act, and we are committed to ensuring swift justice for the victims,” said Ganjam SP Suvendu Kumar Patra.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked widespread condemnation, and a video of the abuse went viral, amplifying criticism of lawlessness. Although the authenticity of the video could not be independently verified, it triggered strong political reactions. The ruling party BJD, in a social media post, expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, stating, “The people are becoming increasingly restless. The law and order are collapsing in Odisha.”
The fact-finding committee has been instructed to visit the village, meet the victims, and submit a report to the Pradesh Congress at the earliest. The Congress has vowed to push for strict action against the perpetrators to ensure justice.
