A Christian pastor in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district was allegedly assaulted and publicly humiliated by a group of men accused of having links to right-wing organisations, following allegations that he was involved in religious conversions.
The incident reportedly took place on January 4 in Parjang village, where Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik was conducting a prayer meeting at the private residence of a family member, Krishna Naik. His wife, Bandana Naik, and a few others were also present at the gathering.
According to a complaint lodged by Bandana Naik, a mob of around 15 to 20 men, allegedly armed with bamboo sticks, forcibly entered the house and attacked her husband. She alleged that the pastor was dragged out, beaten repeatedly, slapped, and struck with sticks. The attackers reportedly smeared red vermilion on his face and placed a garland made of slippers around his neck.
The complaint further stated that the assailants—allegedly including members of the Bajrang Dal along with some local villagers—paraded the pastor through the village for nearly two hours. He was later taken to a nearby Hanuman temple, where he was allegedly subjected to further humiliation, including being forced to bow at the temple. In some accounts mentioned in the complaint, his head was also shaved.
Bandana Naik further alleged that her husband was compelled to drink drain water and cow dung water, had his hands tied behind a rod at the temple, and was forced to chant religious slogans while being beaten and verbally abused.
Police are expected to investigate the allegations, while the incident has raised concerns over religious freedom, mob violence, and law and order in the region.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
