Police in Odisha's Dhenkanal district have detained four people in connection with an incident where a man was assaulted and paraded wearing a garland of shoes over allegations of religious conversion. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Parjang police station. The police action was taken based on a complaint filed by the victim's wife.
Details Of The Incident
According to available information, the incident took place on January 4, but the matter came to light after the wife of Pastor Bipin Nayak lodged a complaint with the police. According to the complaint, while the victim was praying in his home, a mob of 15 to 20 people armed with sticks and rods attacked him.
Accusing the pastor of conducting religious conversions, the mob assaulted him, forcibly applied vermilion (sindoor) on him, put a garland of shoes around his neck, and paraded him throughout the village.
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Police Action
Dhenkanal SP Abhinav Sonkar stated that a case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Parjang police station based on the wife's complaint. The police have detained four suspects so far, and several others are being questioned. A medical examination of the injured pastor has been conducted and witness statements have been recorded.
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Allegations Of Forced Consumption Of Drain Water Found False
Reports on social media and local discussions suggested that the victim was forced to drink drain water. However, SP Abhinav Sonkar clarified that this allegation was found to be false during the preliminary investigation. The police are currently investigating the matter further, and a search for the other accused is underway.