Berhampur (Odisha) – Two Dalit men in Ganjam district were brutally assaulted, half-tonsured, and humiliated by a mob on suspicion of cattle smuggling. The victims, Babula Nayak (54) and Bulu Nayak (42), were transporting two cows and a calf as a wedding gift when self-styled 'cow protectors' intercepted them at Kharigumma village.
The mob allegedly demanded ₹30,000, and upon refusal, forced them to crawl on their knees for over 2 km, eat grass, and drink drain water. Videos of the incident went viral, sparking statewide outrage.
Police have detained six persons so far and are searching for others. Ganjam SP said the motive was not cow protection but extortion. The victims have been treated at Dharakote CHC.
Dalit organisations and political leaders condemned the caste-based violence, demanding strict action. Former Odisha PCC chief Niranjan Patnaik criticised CM Naveen Patnaik’s silence on the issue.
