A day after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Odisha government, the police intensified their investigation into the shocking case of caste-based violence in Ganjam’s Dharakote block.
On Thursday, three more individuals were arrested for their alleged role in the inhumane assault of two Dalit men, bringing the total number of arrests to 16.
The recent arrestees have been identified as Sunil Swain (21) and Ashish Barala (19) from Bethuar, and Santosh Kumar Polai (32) from Nabaratnapur. The search continues for other perpetrators involved in the June 26 incident that has triggered state-wide outrage.
According to the FIR, a mob intercepted Bulu Nayak (52) and Babul Nayak (43) of Singipur while they were transporting cattle on a cargo auto-rickshaw, allegedly as part of a dowry arrangement. Suspected of illegal cattle transport, the victims were subjected to brutal public humiliation—mobbed, robbed, beaten, their heads partially shaved, made to crawl for two kilometres with grass in their mouths, and even forced to drink sewage water.
Among those already arrested is the prime accused, Rajesh Samal (20) from Jahada. A juvenile was also taken into custody earlier.
Political condemnation has poured in. The BJD, Congress, and the Left parties have all demanded stringent action. A fact-finding team from Congress visited Singipur and met with the victims.
The NHRC described the incident as a “gross violation of human rights” and has directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
