Two Dalit Men in Odisha Tonsured, Assaulted, Congress Forms Probe Committee

According to police, the two Dalit men had their hair forcibly shaved, were beaten, and were forced to crawl on their knees, eat grass, and drink drain water over allegations of cattle smuggling. So far, nine people have been detained in connection with the case.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das formed a five-member committee on Monday night to investigate the incident, with Congress Legislature Party leader Ramchandra Kadam as its chairman.

The other members of the committee include OPCC Vice-President Lalatendu Mahapatra, MLA Ramesh Jena, General Secretary Subarna Naik, and Secretary Tuleshwar Naik.

The incident occurred on Sunday in Jahada village of Khariguma under the Dharkot police station jurisdiction.

According to party sources,the committee has been directed to visit the village, interact directly with the victims, and submit a report to the state Congress immediately.

A purported video of the incident went viral on social media, leading to widespread condemnation in political circles.

A police officer stated, “The mob demanded ?30,000 from the duo. When they refused to pay, they were beaten and subjected to inhumane treatment. They were taken to a salon where their hair was shaved. Later, they were forced to crawl on their knees for a kilometer, eat grass, and drink drain water.”

After somehow escaping, the victims lodged an FIR against the accused at Dharkot police station on Sunday evening.

The victims claimed they were transporting the cattle as a traditional gift for Babula’s daughter’s wedding.

The officer added that nine people have been detained for assaulting the two Dalit men and partially shaving their heads.

Ganjam district Superintendent of Police (SP) Suvendu Kumar Patra said a case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Police said, the attackers’ motive was not to protect cows but to extort money from the victims. SP said, “The investigation is going, and strict action will be taken to ensure swift justice.”

The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said in a social media post, “There is growing unrest among people. Law and order in Odisha has collapsed.”