Odisha Rayagada mob attack: NCW seeks DGP report as SCW records survivor statement

The Odisha State Commission for Women recorded the statement of a 22-year-old NGO worker allegedly molested and disrobed during a mob attack in Rayagada. The National Commission for Women sought an action taken report from the DGP Odisha within seven days, requesting FIR details, BNS provisions, investigation progress, arrests, survivor support, and steps to prevent mob vigilantism.

Odisha’s women’s panels moved to review a mob assault on two NGO workers in Rayagada district. The Odisha State Commission for Women recorded the survivor’s statement on Monday. The National Commission for Women also stepped in after media reports. The NCW asked Odisha Police for an action taken report within seven days.

The NCW took suo motu cognisance after reports blamed false child kidnapping rumours. It sought the FIR details and sections used under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The NCW also asked for investigation progress, arrests, and steps against rumour spreaders. It sought information on medical care, counselling, and rehabilitation.

Odisha SCW statement and NCW report demand

Odisha SCW chairperson Sovana Mohanty said the survivor was 22 years old. The incident was reported in Kalyansinghpur police station jurisdiction on the night of June 16. Mohanty said the statement was taken through video conferencing. "I spoke to the victim over video conferencing and assured her that justice will be done to her and all culprits will be arrested,\" Mohanty told reporters.

The NCW also asked what was done to protect NGO workers and interns. It sought details on safety measures during field visits. The commission wanted steps to stop mob vigilantism. It asked about community policing and public awareness efforts. The letter also sought updates on arrests already made in the case.

Odisha Police investigation, arrests and flag march

The incident happened near Kandulguda village under Kalyansinghpur police limits on June 16 night. A young woman from Delhi and a male colleague from Gujarat were travelling. The pair were going from Kandhamals Daringbadi to Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district. After losing the route, they entered the Kalyansinghpur area in Rayagada.

Police said a mob of over 100 people attacked the two workers. Police said the group wrongly suspected them as child lifters. Police later held a flag march to restore normalcy. The march began at Kalyansinghpur police station and ended at the State Bank Square. Officers asked residents to ignore rumours and avoid violence.

Police said 21 people were arrested in the case so far. Police added more arrests would follow based on video footage. Circumstantial evidence was also being checked. The Crime Against Women & Children Wing of the Crime Branch-CID began monitoring the probe. The unit said it would track the investigation and related actions.

CAW&CW monitoring and attack on woman police officer

IGP Shyni S, who heads CAW&CW, called the incident highly unfortunate. Shyni S said the wing would monitor the investigation into the assault. Police will also examine an attack on a woman police officer, Kalpana Behera. Kalpana Behera is the Inspector in charge of Kalyansinghpur police station. Police said Kalpana Behera was attacked while trying to protect the NGO workers.

Shyni S said the events in Kalyansinghpur were \"very bad\". Shyni S noted a large group targeted the woman over baseless claims. Many in the crowd were allegedly intoxicated. Shyni S said the conduct showed a deeper attitude problem. Shyni S also praised local youth Balaram Bag for helping the woman escape.

Shyni S said Balaram Bag’s actions showed courage during the violence. Shyni S said the act should guide public behaviour towards women. Shyni S urged people not to take the law into their own hands. Shyni S asked citizens to report concerns to authorities. Odisha SCW and the NCW continued seeking accountability as police expanded the probe.

With inputs from PTI