NGO Workers Assaulted in Odisha Over Child Kidnap Rumours

The incident occurred on June 16 at Kandulguda village under Kalyansinghpur block when the two NGO workers, both from outside Odisha, were travelling from Daringbadi to Thuamul Rampur block in Kalahandi district.

According to police, the duo had stopped in the village to seek directions. During the interaction, they spoke to some children and distributed biscuits, which led to suspicion among a section of villagers amid rumours of child kidnappers in the area.

A mob gathered and accused them of attempting to abduct children. The situation escalated, with villagers allegedly assaulting both. The woman was molested, and both were physically attacked in public.

A video of the incident later surfaced on social media, showing the woman being dragged by her hair and her clothes being torn, prompting police action.

Police reached the spot after receiving information, rescued the victims and registered a case. An investigation was launched.

The Rayagada superintendent of police said 16 persons have been arrested so far, and efforts are on to identify others seen in the video.

The victims were provided medical assistance and counselling.

Police appealed to the public not to spread unverified rumours, stating that misinformation has led to incidents of mob violence.