Rayagada Violence Case Accorded ‘Red Flag’ Status; 23 Arrested So Far
Said 23 persons had been arrested so far in connection with the incident: Rayagada Superintendent of Police (SP) Swathy S. Kumar: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Police have accorded 'Red Flag' status to the investigation into the recent violence in Rayagada district in which a woman research scholar and, indicating that the case will be monitored as a high-priority matter, officials said on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference, Rayagada Superintendent of Police (SP) Swathy S. Kumar said 23 persons had been arrested so far in connection with the incident. Special teams have been constituted to apprehend the remaining accused.
Police have registered three separate cases and launched a detailed investigation. The probe is being conducted with assistance from the Crime Branch, which is coordinating with the district police, the SP said.
On June 16, a woman NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) worker was allegedly molested and assaulted along with her male colleague after villagers mistook them for child kidnappers in Odisha's Rayagada district. The attack occurred on June 16 at Kandulguda village under Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district when the two NGO workers, both from outside Odisha, were travelling from Daringbadi in Kandhamal district to Thuamul Rampur block in neighbouring Kalahandi district.
A video of the incident, which later surfaced on social media, showed the mob dragging the woman by her hair and tearing her clothes as onlookers watched. The footage sparked widespread outrage and prompted swift police action.
According to the SP, authorities sought 'Red Flag' classification for the case from higher authorities, following which the request was approved. She said the designation would facilitate closer supervision of the investigation and ensure coordinated action by different agencies.
The SP said police had acted promptly following the incident and that those arrested had been produced before the court. She added that efforts were underway to identify all individuals involved and collect evidence related to the case.
Police are also investigating the recording and circulation of videos linked to the incident. Officials said the creation and dissemination of certain content without consent could attract provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act and other applicable laws.
Authorities are attempting to identify individuals who recorded, uploaded or shared the videos on social media platforms. Appropriate legal action will be taken if any violations of law are established, police said.
Meanwhile, police operations to trace the remaining suspects continued in and around Intaliguda village.
