Rayagada, June 26: Police have arrested three more persons in connection with the assault on two volunteers and the mob violence incident at Sainagar under Kalyansinghpur police limits in Rayagada district. With the latest arrests, the total number of accused held in the case has increased to 24.
Police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other persons involved in the incident. Video footage, eyewitness statements and other evidence are being examined to trace the remaining accused. Authorities have assured that all those found involved will be arrested soon.
Following the incident, police had initially arrested 16 persons. Subsequently, five more accused were taken into custody, while three others were arrested in the latest crackdown. To maintain law and order, local police have conducted flag marches in the area and appealed to residents not to believe or spread rumours.
Rayagada Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said the incident has been categorised as a "Red Flag Case" due to its sensitive nature. He asserted that no person involved in the violence would be spared and indicated that the number of arrests could rise further. The Crime Branch has also been roped in to assist with the investigation.
The SP further warned that legal action would be initiated under the Information Technology Act against individuals who recorded and circulated videos of the incident on social media.
Meanwhile, some local residents have alleged that the main accused are yet to be arrested and claimed that innocent people are being taken into custody. Police have not yet responded to these allegations.
