A BJP fact-finding team led by state executive member Shib Shankar Ulaka on Tuesday visited Intaliguda village in Kalyansingpur block to probe the violent incident that occurred on June 16 and called for strict action against those who spread rumours and created panic through phones and social media.
After interacting with locals, Ulaka said the reality of the incident was completely different from the version being circulated on social media. He described it as a case of misunderstanding and miscommunication rather than any premeditated crime.
According to Ulaka, the victims, who were travelling from another state, had used GPS navigation to reach Thuamul-Rampur in Kalahandi district. Due to an error in directions, they reached Gunupur instead. When the road ahead was found closed, they turned back. While passing through Silet village in Kalahandi district, they stopped to drink water and gave biscuits to some children present there.
Since the couple belonged to another state and spoke in a different manner, local villagers could not understand them properly. This led to suspicion among some people that the duo were “child thieves.” Frightened by the growing suspicion, the couple tried to leave the area. At that point, some individuals allegedly used phones to spread rumours and create panic in the region.
Ulaka alleged that a few drunkards from a dhaba and liquor shop located near Intaliguda then started the violence. Most local residents had only come to the spot as onlookers. During the ensuing mob violence, two local youths — Purushu Hikaka and Biswanath Kunaka — risked their lives to rescue the couple. Ulaka described them as the “real heroes” of the incident.
The two rescuers sustained serious injuries and have been bedridden for the last four days. The BJP team honoured them and arranged for their transfer to the Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital for better treatment.
Ulaka urged the district administration and the Superintendent of Police to identify and take strict action against the real rumour-mongers who spread false information through phones and social media, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear.
He also pointed out that police had arrested several innocent villagers who had merely come to the spot to watch the incident. After speaking to their families, the team found them to be innocent. Ulaka demanded that only the actual culprits be punished as per law and that innocent people should not be harassed.
The fact-finding team included Majhiguda Mandal President Anil Jadi, Kalyansingpur Mandal President Ajit Panigrahi, Kisan Morcha President Chandra Hikaka, Adivasi Morcha President Binayak Kuleshika, Mandal General Secretary Keshari Bhatra, Saru Nachika and other BJP leaders and workers.
