Outrage in Odisha: Dalit Men Tortured on Baseless Cattle Smuggling Claims

The Congress on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the alleged torture of two Dalit men in Odisha's Ganjam district, accused of cattle smuggling. The incident has triggered widespread political outrage and calls for swift action.

A five-member fact-finding committee was formed, led by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das and legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam, to investigate the situation. Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the assault.

On the day of the incident at Kharigumma village, the victims were reportedly transporting livestock for a family wedding when they were attacked by a mob, allegedly for extortion purposes under the guise of animal protection. Probes are underway to bring justice to the victims.

(With inputs from agencies.)