Odisha: Three arrested for allegedly assaulting tribal women over conversion suspicion
Bhubaneshwar: A day after Christmas, on December 26, two tribal women were allegedly tied to a tree and beaten by a mob in the Remuna area of Odisha's Balasore district. The women, accused of attempting to convert a Hindu man to Christianity, were subjected to humiliation and violence, as captured in a viral video that brought the incident to light, reported The Wire.
The victims, identified as Subhasini Singh and Sukanti Singh, were reportedly targeted after visiting Chhankhanpur hamlet in Mukhura village. Subhasini, a Christian from Makhpada village in Nilgiri, allegedly came to meet Gobind Singh, a Hindu tribal man, with the intention of persuading him to convert to Christianity. Sukanti, a local resident and Hindu, was accused of facilitating the visit.
In the video, the women are seen tied to a tree, surrounded by a hostile crowd. One man's remarks accusing them of "destroying Hindu religion and culture" and chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Jai Shri Ram" underscore the mob's fury. Subhasini's face was smeared with a cake, which locals claimed had been brought to celebrate a religious conversion.
Subas Mallick, Inspector-in-Charge of Remuna police station, confirmed the incident and said the mob had also humiliated Gobind Singh for his alleged intent to convert. Four individuals, Bapin Nayak, Pitambar Biswal, Prashant Nayak, and Badal Panda—were detained in connection with the assault. Cases have been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) addressing assault and prevention of atrocities against scheduled tribes, as well as under the Odisha Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, which prohibits forced or induced religious conversions.
However, police later released the detainees after they reportedly expressed regret and reached an "understanding" with the victims. Gobind Singh also allegedly apologized for his intent to change his faith. Despite this, two separate cases remain under investigation.
Reactions to the incident have highlighted concerns about rising vigilantism and threats to vulnerable communities. Odisha Congress spokesperson Amiya Pandab condemned the attack as a shameful reflection of the state’s law and order situation, particularly against tribal women. Former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Latika Pradhan criticized what she called "vigilante justice," emphasizing that any alleged illegal conversions should be dealt with by law rather than mob action.
The incident has also reignited discussions about communal tensions in Odisha. Balasore, represented in the Lok Sabha by former Union Minister Pratap Sarangi, borders Mayurbhanj, the home district of President Draupadi Murmu, and Keonjhar, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s constituency. Both leaders are from tribal communities, underscoring the gravity of such incidents targeting vulnerable groups.
This case comes against the backdrop of Odisha’s history of communal violence, including the 2008 Kandhamal riots, which led to over 30 deaths and widespread displacement of Christians. Then-Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, now leader of the opposition, severed ties with the BJP in 2009, citing concerns over communal discord.
As authorities probe the latest incident, it raises critical questions about the balance between protecting religious freedom and preventing vigilantism.
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KMES Institutions shine in SSLC result, continue four-decade legacy of education in rural Karkala
Karkala: KMES Institutions of Education at Kukkundooru in Karkala taluk has recorded outstanding results in the 2025-26 SSLC and PUC examinations, continuing a four-decade educational journey that began with just 22 kindergarten students and no building of its own.
The institution secured a 100 per cent result in the SSLC examinations, with all 43 students passing the examination this year.
Muhammad Arman Shahid emerged as the school topper by scoring 619 marks out of 625, securing 99 per cent and also ranking sixth at the state level. He scored full marks in Kannada, Hindi, Mathematics and Social Science.
Krithika V. Nayak secured the second position in the school with 607 marks and 97.12 per cent, while Arhan stood third with 605 marks and 96.8 per cent.
Out of the 43 students, 21 passed with distinction, 19 secured first class, two students obtained second class and one student passed in third class. Fourteen students scored above 90 per cent.
The institution also performed strongly in the PUC examinations. The Science stream recorded a 100 per cent result, with all 44 students passing, while Commerce secured a 98 per cent pass percentage.
Twelve students scored full marks in different subjects, including Mathematics.
In Commerce, Deeksha Acharya topped the college with 588 marks, while Harshitha H. Kini secured the second position with 581 marks.
In Science, Naveen B. Nayak emerged as topper with 586 marks, followed closely by Sameeksha Moily and Aifa Nidha, who both secured 585 marks.
Speaking about the achievement, High School head teacher Shrimati Patkar said the institution has always focused on supporting academically weak students through affordable education and free special classes.
“Our ambition is to provide quality education even to students who struggle in studies. The fees are very low, and free coaching classes are conducted. I have worked here for 28 years and have always found the atmosphere supportive of education,” she said.
Primary School head teacher Lolita Zeena D’Silva appreciated the dedication of the teaching staff and said the school encourages students not only to achieve high marks but also to become role models.
PU College Principal Balakrishna Rao said the institution focuses on value-based education and overall personality development.
“The aim is to help students succeed not only academically but also in cultural activities, sports and leadership. We encourage qualities such as patience, tolerance and discipline,” he said.
Rao also credited the institution’s growth to the support of founders K.S. Mohammed Masood and K.S. Nissar Ahmed, along with President K.S. Imtiaz Ahmed.
Speaking on the occasion, Imtiaz Ahmed said the institution was built on the dream of making quality education accessible to financially backward families in rural areas.
He said the guidance and encouragement of his elder brothers, Mohammed Masood and Nissar Ahmed, along with the contribution of teachers, students and parents, helped transform the institution into a model educational centre.
The KMES Institutions trace their roots back to 1984, when they were founded by senior social activists Haji P.M. Khan, K.S. Nazeer Ahmed and Haji A.S. Rashid Haider.
The institution initially functioned from the Government Urdu School premises as it did not have a building of its own. Classes began with only 22 students in lower kindergarten and two teachers.
Later, under the leadership of K.S. Mohammed Masood and with continuous financial and moral support from non-resident businessman K.S. Nissar Ahmed, the institution gradually expanded.
In 1993, the school shifted to its own building and began conducting classes from LKG to Class 5.
As student admissions increased, Nissar Ahmed personally funded the construction of three additional classrooms to address infrastructure shortages.
The institution’s new school building was completed in 1997, while the PU College building was constructed in 2001.
From humble beginnings in a borrowed building to producing state-level rank holders and consistent academic results, the KMES Institutions have grown into one of the prominent educational centres in the Karkala region.
