Eight Bengali-speaking workers stripped, paraded for 'misbehaving' with woman in Odisha's Sundergarh
Rourkela, Dec 12: Eight Bengali-speaking migrant workers were on Thursday stripped and paraded on a road with their hands tied for allegedly attempting to outrage the modesty of a local woman in Odisha’s Sundergarh town, police said.
Police said local residents thrashed and paraded the workers in a semi-nude condition on Mission Road between 8.30 am and 9 am. The victims hail from West Bengal's Murshidabad district and were working as masons in the town.
Informed by local residents, Sundergarh Town police arrived at the spot and rescued the eight persons and took them to the police station.
"We have registered two cases - one against 10 persons for stripping, thrashing, and parading the eight workers, and another based on the woman’s complaint against one of the workers," DIG Rourkela Brijesh Rai told PTI over the phone.
Rai said police have launched a manhunt to arrest the people who took the law into their own hands and humiliated the workers. "Police are investigating both cases, and no arrests have been made so far," Rai said and added that they have identified 10 people involved in assaulting the workers.
In her police complaint, the woman claimed that one of the workers attempted to outrage her modesty while she was returning home after taking bath on Wednesday.
When news of the incident spread, local residents attacked the house where the workers were staying, stripped them, and tied their hands. They were then paraded in public in a semi-nude condition, police said.
When police attempted to rescue the workers, they faced strong protests from the local people. Eyewitnesses said a journalist covering the incident was also allegedly threatened by the local residents.
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Moodbidri: Puthige Convention Center inaugurated
Moodbidri: The newly constructed Puthige Convention Center, built by the Puthige Kadalakere Noorani Masjid, was officially inaugurated on Thursday, December 12.
The convention center was inaugurated by Dr. M. Mohan Alva, President of Alva's Education Foundation. Speaking later, he said, "We are all fortunate to be born in this country. India is an ideal country in the world. Despite having the largest population, it is not limited to one caste, caste, religion, or language. Moodbidri is a land of harmony. It should continue like this."
“We need to deeply understand the caste, religion, and language that our ancestors have created and incorporate them into our lives. It is possible to live as a human being only if we have culture. It is a sign of harmony to fully understand one's own caste and religion and to view other castes and religions with respect and brotherhood,” added Alva.
Rev. Fr. Melwyn Noronha, Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Church, Alangar, who graced the event as the chief guest, said that Moodbidri is still a place full of harmony. The Noorani Masjid here is a symbol of harmony and the programs that everyone is doing together, setting aside the barriers of caste and religion.
Abul Ala Puthige, President of Puthige Noorani Masjid, who presided over the ceremony, said that the true picture of harmony is evident in the program held at the inauguration of Puthige Convention Center. He said, “This is the specialty of our Moodbidri.”
The ceremony included the distribution of financial assistance to over 10 families from various religions who are struggling with ill health and financial difficulties. Several individuals, including sportsperson Amrin, health worker Vimala K., academic workers Riza Sheikh Riaz, Aisha Amna Sheikh, Riya Rafique, and businesswoman Nazma, were felicitated for their contributions.
On this occasion, Padma Shri Harekala Hajabba was felicitated by Puthige Convention Center and Noorani Welfare Trust.
Former Minister K. Abhayachandra Jain, Vice President of Puthige Noorani Masjid Shaikh Basheer, General Secretary Mohammed Khayyum, Puthige Grama Panchayat Member Mohammed Shareef, female entrepreneur Sara Abbas and others were present during the program.
Meanwhile, a 20% discount on bookings for the Convention Center is being offered for events booked by the end of December, and the income generated from the center will be used for supporting the poor, assisting the sick, and educating underprivileged students, as announced by Abul Ala Puthige during the inauguration.
