Odisha Pastor Faces Mob Assault and Eviction in Disturbing Incident
In a shocking case from Odisha, pastor Bipin Bihari Naik has endured a brutal mob assault followed by eviction from his rented home, raising serious questions about religious freedom and safety in the region. The incident, which occurred on January 4, 2026, in Kandarsinga village under Parjang police station in Dhenkanal district, has drawn nationwide condemnation and highlighted a pattern of communal violence in the state.
Details of the Attack and Humiliation
According to an FIR filed by Naik's wife, the pastor was invited to a village resident's home to offer prayers for health when a mob of 15–20 youths forcibly entered. The assailants, armed with bamboo sticks, subjected Naik to a vicious assault, including beatings with sticks, fists, and kicks. In a deeply degrading act, they garlanded him with footwear, paraded him on the streets, forced him to drink drain water, and compelled him to bow before a temple against his will. This attack left Naik with severe physical and mental trauma, as detailed in the complaint.
Landlord's Eviction Adds to the Trauma
Compounding the pastor's suffering, his landlord of eight years demanded that he vacate the rented home within a week, which the family complied with out of fear. Naik's elder brother, Udaynath James, expressed anguish over the situation, questioning whether practicing one's faith is a sin and emphasizing that it is a fundamental right in India. The eviction has forced Naik to relocate to his native village of Khamar in Angul district, where he continues to live in dread and insecurity.
Police Response and Allegations of Inaction
The family claims that local police initially refused to register an FIR despite Naik's wife approaching the Parjang Police Station within 30 minutes of the incident. It was only after intervention from the Dhenkanal Superintendent of Police that the FIR was filed. The complaint alleges that police reached the spot around 1:30 PM, by which time Naik had already endured extensive torture. Dhenkanal SP Abhinav Sonkar stated that an explanation has been sought from the inspector-in-charge of Parjang Police Station, and nine people have been detained in connection with the case.
Broader Context of Communal Incidents in Odisha
This attack is not an isolated event but part of a series of communal incidents in Odisha over the past 19 months. At least six towns in the state have witnessed curfews and Internet suspensions following such clashes, with many cases linked to right-wing outfits. Naik's family has blamed "the rise of a certain ecosystem backed by people in power" for fostering an atmosphere of violence and hatred. They have also rejected allegations of forcible conversions as baseless, stating that Naik had been visiting the house for prayers for two years without issue.
National Outrage and Political Reactions
The incident has triggered widespread outrage across India, with political leaders condemning the assault. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a post on X, described it as a reflection of violence fostered by the Sangh Parivar and compared it to the Graham Staines case from 27 years ago. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma called it a grave violation of constitutional rights, urging authorities to take swift action. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seeking urgent intervention and prosecution of those involved.
Implications for Religious Freedom and Security
This case underscores ongoing challenges to religious freedom and communal harmony in India. The assault and subsequent eviction highlight how victims of such violence often face further marginalization, with their basic rights to safety and shelter compromised. As investigations proceed, there is a pressing need for stronger law enforcement and community efforts to protect minority groups and uphold the secular fabric of the nation.
