Bhubaneswar: The Investigative Units on Crime Against Women (IUCAW) will probe the Rayagada mob attack case, Inspector General (IG), Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW&CW), Shyni S, said on Monday.
Addressing the media here, the IG said the case has been placed under the “Red Flag” category and transferred for focused investigation. She said IUCAW teams, trained to handle sensitive cases, have been directed to take over the probe.
“We have instructed IUCAW to investigate the case. The matter will be closely monitored at every stage of the investigation and trial to ensure justice for the victims. Necessary support will also be provided to the woman victim,” Shyni S said.
She also urged the public and media not to believe or circulate rumours, warning that mob violence based on unverified allegations is a punishable offence. She stressed that no individual has the authority to label others as child lifters or take the law into their own hands.
The incident occurred on the night of June 16 (Tuesday) when two fellowship workers were allegedly attacked by a mob in Rayagada district following rumours that they were child lifters.
According to police, the duo was travelling from Daringbadi in Kandhamal district to Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi on a scooter when they lost their way while using Google Maps and entered the Kalyansinghpur area. They stopped near Kandulguda village under Silet panchayat to ask for directions and interacted with locals, including children celebrating the Raja festival.
They also distributed chocolates to children, after which rumours began circulating that they were attempting to lure minors, triggering panic and mob mobilisation.
The situation soon escalated as a crowd gathered and confronted the duo. Despite showing identity documents and explaining their purpose, they were allegedly surrounded and questioned. The woman victim said the crowd continued to grow and became increasingly aggressive.
“We were on an exposure visit and had done nothing wrong. Even after showing our identification documents, people continued to suspect us. The crowd kept growing, and the situation became frightening,” the woman said.
The duo allegedly attempted to seek police assistance, but the situation worsened. While fleeing, their scooter skidded near Dhamunipanga panchayat, after which they were caught by a larger mob and assaulted, leaving both injured.
Upon receiving the information, Rayagada Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said prompt action by Kalyansinghpur police led to the rescue of the victims.
Police have so far arrested 24 persons in connection with the incident, police said.
