KORAPUT: Odisha Police on Thursday arrested 16 individuals who were part of a mob that chased and assaulted a woman from Delhi and her male colleague from Gujarat, mistaking them for child kidnappers in a remote village in Rayagada district on June 16. The accused also partially stripped the woman.
Victims' Background
The two victims work with voluntary organizations under fellowship programs. The woman is engaged in solid waste management initiatives in Kalahandi district, while the man from Surat is associated with a turmeric packaging project in Kandhamal district.
Incident Details
According to police, they were traveling from Daringbadi in Kandhamal to Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district on a scooter. They stopped near Kandulguda village to ask for directions. As they interacted with a group of children and gave them chocolates, it aroused suspicion among some villagers, who quickly spread a rumor that the outsiders were child-lifters. The two development workers alleged they were attacked despite repeatedly showing their identity cards and explaining the purpose of their visit.
Police Action
Police have registered four cases, with preliminary investigations suggesting 40 to 50 people could be involved in the attack. Rayagada Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said, "Kalyansinghpur police rescued the two victims and arrested 16 persons based on CCTV footage. We are verifying videos recorded by people at the spot."
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