New Delhi: A Christian pastor in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district was allegedly assaulted, publicly humiliated and paraded by a mob after being accused of engaging in religious conversions, police said.
The incident took place on January 4 in Parjang village, where Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik had gathered with a few relatives and villagers for a prayer meeting at a private residence. The meeting was being held at the home of his family member, Krishna Naik, and was attended by his wife Bandana Naik and others, NDTV reported.
Mob storms prayer meeting
According to a complaint filed by Bandana Naik, a group of around 15 to 20 men armed with bamboo sticks forcefully entered the house during the prayer. The group allegedly accused the pastor of converting locals and immediately began assaulting him.
She stated that her husband was dragged out of the house, repeatedly slapped, beaten with sticks and struck on multiple parts of his body. Red vermilion was smeared across his face, and a garland made of slippers was placed around his neck in an act intended to publicly shame him.
Paraded, forced rituals and humiliation
The complaint further alleges that the attackers, some of whom were claimed to have links with Bajrang Dal, paraded the pastor across the village for nearly two hours. He was later taken to a local Hanuman temple, where he was allegedly subjected to further abuse.
According to the account, his hands were tied to a rod, and he was forced to bow inside the temple. He was also made to chant religious slogans while being beaten. In a particularly degrading act, the pastor was allegedly compelled to drink drain water and cow dung-mixed water. Some accounts also claim his head was shaved at the temple, though police are still verifying this detail.
Police action and investigation
Following the complaint, Parjang police detained four individuals in connection with the incident. Abhinav Sonkar, Superintendent of Police, Dhenkanal, confirmed that the detentions were made after questioning several people named in the complaint.
He said further investigation is underway and assured that appropriate legal action would be taken against those found responsible.
Conversion allegations denied
Parjang village is predominantly Hindu, with only a handful of Christian families living in the area. Bandana Naik has strongly denied allegations that her husband was involved in religious conversions, stating that the prayer meeting was private and voluntary.
Authorities have said they are examining all aspects of the case, including the circumstances leading up to the assault and the role of local groups, while ensuring law and order in the region.