Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a disturbing incident in Ganjam district where two persons belonging to the Scheduled Caste were allegedly attacked by members of another community on suspicion of cattle smuggling.
Expressing concern over the incident, the rights body issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
According to a media report, the victims were subjected to severe physical and mental abuse, including being beaten up, forced to eat grass, and drink drain water. Their mobile phones were snatched, and their heads were forcibly tonsured.
The incident reportedly occurred on June 26, 2025. The NHRC has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of human rights violations. Consequently, the Commission has slapped notices on the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police and sought a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
“The report is expected to include the action taken against the perpetrators and compensation, if any, provided to the victims”, read the letter.
