The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a distressing incident involving two Dalit men who were allegedly assaulted and humiliated in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
The rights body has issued formal notices to the Chief Secretary of Odisha and the Director General of Police (DGP), demanding a detailed report within two weeks.
The NHRC has instructed that the report should clearly outline the actions taken against the perpetrators as well as any compensation extended to the victims.
The incident occurred on June 22 in Kharigumma village under Dharakote police limits, when two Dalit men—Bulu Nayak and Babula Nayak from Singipur village—were returning after purchasing three cows intended as a wedding gift. They were intercepted by a group of men who accused them of cattle smuggling and demanded money. When they refused, the duo was allegedly subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse.
The assailants reportedly partially shaved their heads, forced them to crawl on their knees for nearly two kilometers, and compelled them to eat grass and drink dirty water. A video of the ordeal went viral, sparking public outrage and prompting police action.
So far, eight individuals have been arrested, and a police investigation is underway.
