Bhubaneswar: Classifying the recent mob violence in Rayagada district, where a social worker from Delhi was stripped and assaulted, and her male colleague from Gujarat brutally beaten on suspicion of being child-lifters, as a “red flag”, DGP Y B Khurania on Sunday directed the Odisha crime against women and children wing (CAW&CW) to monitor the probe.The DGP said the case has been classified as a “red flag” under protocol, warranting close monitoring and swift action. “While Kalyansinghpur police station is investigating the sensitive incident, the CAW&CW will supervise the probe and provide necessary guidance,” Khurania said.The 23‑year‑old woman and her 21‑year‑old colleague were working with an NGO in Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts under a fellowship programme. On the evening of June 16, while travelling by scooter from Daringbadi in Kandhamal to Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi, they reached Kalyansinghpur in Rayagada. Trouble began when the local residents saw them distributing chocolates among children and suspected them of being abductors. What followed was a national shame as the duo was attacked, the woman disrobed in public view, and the act filmed on mobile phones. Though police reached in time and rescued them, the mob assaulted personnel and vandalised a community health centre where the survivors were taken.Three FIRs were registered on June 17 — covering the assault on the two NGO workers, attack on police and violence at the health centre. “We have arrested 20 people so far and are tracking others. Nobody will be spared,” DIG (southwestern range) Akhileshvar Singh said.Rayagada superintendent of police Raj Prasad warned that those circulating videos and photos of the survivors on social media would also face action.The incident has triggered public and political outrage. “This is another stark reminder of worsening law and order, and women’s safety in Odisha,” BJD Rajya Sabha member Sulata Deo said.Congress state president Bhakta Charan Das demanded a house committee of legislators across parties to probe crimes against women.BJP state president and Rajya Sabha member Manmohan Samal reiterated the govt’s zero‑tolerance approach to violence against women. “We condemn the Rayagada incident. Those responsible will face exemplary action,” Samal said.
