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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bidar gears up for the Third National Convention of Quraish Conference on April 12
Bidar: Preparations are in full swing for the Third National Convention of the Quraish Conference, scheduled to be held on April 12 at SM Hangargi Function Hall, located opposite DCC Bank in Bidar city. The announcement was made through a press note by Muhammad Nabi Qureshi, President of the Quraish Conference (Registered), Karnataka.
The convention will focus on key issues concerning the Quraish community in Karnataka, particularly addressing fundamental rights, atrocities faced by members of the business community, and other pressing concerns. Delegates from various parts of the country including Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, and other states are expected to attend, marking it as a significant national gathering.
According to the press release, this third edition of the national convention aims to unite the Quraish community across India, confront social evils within the community, promote education, and explore measures to safeguard livelihoods and traditional businesses.
In this convention, Mohammad Rahim Khan Sahib (Minister of Local Government, Administration and Hajj Affairs, Government of Karnataka), Bandappa Kasimpur Sahib (Former Minister, Government of Karnataka), Dr. Abdul Qadeer Sahib (Chairman, Shaheen Group of Institutions), Mohammad Masood Ahmed Sahib (President, Aam Aadmi Forum (NGO)) will be the special guests.
As per the release, the third national convention will be presided over by Advocate Sanobar Ali Qureshi, National President of Qureshi Conference.
A number of important resolutions will be discussed and adopted during the session. Key proposals include:
A call for the Karnataka Government to repeal the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020 and restore the provisions of the 1964 Act.
A demand for the establishment of modern slaughterhouses at the district level across all states, preferably on land owned by local municipal bodies, to boost employment opportunities.
An appeal to both Central and State Governments to establish Meat Boards at respective levels, along with a single-window system to address industry concerns efficiently.
A request for greater representation of the Quraish community in state-level decision-making bodies.
Legal experts and Supreme Court lawyers will also participate in the convention, offering insights into the constitutional validity and legal perspectives surrounding these demands.
