Rayagada, June 23: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly condemned the brutal mob assault on a non-Odia woman in Odisha's Rayagada district after she was falsely suspected of being a child kidnapper. Taking suo motu cognizance of the incident, the commission has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Director General of Police (DGP).
The NCW has directed the DGP to submit a copy of the FIR, details of the ongoing investigation, and information regarding action taken against both the accused and those responsible for spreading the rumour. The commission has also sought details on the victim's medical treatment, counselling support, and measures taken to ensure the safety of volunteers and interns working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The incident has also come under the scrutiny of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Separate petitions filed by advocate and human rights activists Anup Kumar Patra and Subrata Das allege that the local administration and police failed to curb the rumour and protect the victims. The petitions have named the Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, DGP, Rayagada Superintendent of Police (SP), and the District Collector as respondents.
The petitioners have demanded stringent action against those involved in the attack and sought adequate compensation, medical care, and psychological counselling for the victim.
State Women's Commission Chairperson Shobhana Mohanty described the incident as shocking and inhumane. She said the victim, who has since returned to Delhi, has recorded her statement through video conferencing. Efforts are underway to ensure that a charge sheet is filed within 60 days and that the case is tried in a fast-track court. Mohanty also held discussions with the district police regarding a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the violence.
Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Crime Against Women and Children Wing, S. Saini said the case is being treated as a top-priority matter. He confirmed that the investigation would be continuously monitored and that the trial would be conducted in a special fast-track court.
According to police, the individual whom the victim had approached for directions allegedly spread the rumour that she was a child kidnapper. The alleged mastermind behind the misinformation campaign has been arrested by Kalyansinghpur police. Investigators are examining more than ten videos related to the incident and are working to identify additional suspects. A Test Identification (TI) parade may also be conducted.
Meanwhile, Rayagada SP Rajprasad visited Intaliguda Chhak in Kalyansinghpur on Monday evening to review the investigation. He met three local youths—Balaram Bag, Purushu Sikaka and Biswanath Kunaka—who rescued the woman from the violent mob and commended them for their courage.
The SP also interacted with police personnel who were present at the scene, reviewed security arrangements, and assessed the law-and-order situation. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area, and authorities are maintaining close surveillance to prevent any further unrest.
Police have arrested another accused in connection with the case, taking the total number of arrests to 25. Earlier, 24 accused persons had already been produced before the court. Reports indicate that many male residents of Intaliguda village have fled due to fears of arrest.
Authorities continue to track down other individuals involved in spreading the rumour and participating in the mob attack. The police have urged the public not to believe or circulate rumours and misinformation, warning that strict action will be taken against offenders.
