Rayagada: Police have arrested 16 persons in connection with the brutal assault on two development workers who were allegedly mistaken for child-lifters in Rayagada district, with officials indicating that more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
The accused were produced before a court on Thursday. Police said four separate cases have been registered in connection with the incident, which occurred in Kalyansingpur area. Preliminary investigations suggest that around 40 to 50 people were involved in the attack.
Rayagada SDPO Gaurahari Sahu said strict action would be taken against all those involved. However, he declined to disclose further details, stating that doing so could affect the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.
The incident has drawn widespread attention after reports emerged that a young woman was allegedly stripped and subjected to public humiliation during the violence.
According to police and local sources, the victims, identified as Suman Jha from Delhi’s Azadpur area and Arpit Sutariya from Surat in Gujarat, were working with a rural development organisation. They were travelling from Daringbadi in Kandhamal district to Thuamul Rampur block in Kalahandi district and were navigating the route using Google Maps.
While passing through Kandul Guda village under Dhamunipanga Panchayat in the Kalyansingpur area, the two reportedly stopped to seek directions from villagers. They later interacted with local children during Raja Doli festivities and distributed biscuits.
Their actions reportedly aroused suspicion among some villagers, who raised an alarm alleging that the duo were child-lifters. Soon, a large crowd gathered and allegedly launched a violent attack on them.
The two men attempted to flee towards Kalyansingpur on their scooter but reportedly fell from the vehicle and ran to escape the mob. Villagers allegedly chased them and continued the assault, leaving both seriously injured.
Police personnel from Kalyansingpur police station, assisted by local resident Balram Bag, rescued the victims and brought them to the police station before shifting them to the Community Health Centre for treatment.
As news of the incident spread, a large crowd reportedly gathered at the hospital. Rayagada SP Raj Prasad and SDPO Gaurahari Sahu rushed to the health centre, dispersed the crowd and ensured the injured men were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for advanced treatment.
Family members of the victims subsequently arrived in Rayagada.
Speaking to the media, SP Raj Prasad said police would conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the attack. He added that individuals responsible for creating tension at the hospital would also be brought under the ambit of the investigation. CCTV footage is being examined and firm action would be taken against all those found involved, he said.
The incident comes weeks after a truck driver reportedly became stranded in the Niyamgiri hills area of Bissam Cuttack while following directions on Google Maps, highlighting navigation challenges in remote parts of the district.