Odisha: Tribal woman assaulted, force-fed human excreta over land dispute
What's the story
A 20-year-old tribal woman in Odisha's Balangir district was allegedly assaulted and force-fed human excreta by a fellow villager. The incident occurred on November 16 in Jurabandha village, when the accused, identified as Abhaya Bag, allegedly attacked the woman after she protested against him driving his tractor through her farmland, TOI reported. The victim's family relies on their two-acre farmland for sustenance.
Investigation underway
Accused absconds, victim's family alleges delayed action
According to the victim's complaint, Bag verbally abused her before assaulting her physically. He allegedly smeared human excreta on her face and forced her to ingest it. When her elderly mother intervened, the man allegedly tried to strangle and verbally assault her. After the incident, Bag was booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. He has been absconding since.
Public outcry
Protests erupt, demand for justice intensifies
The incident has sparked massive protests in the area, with tribal groups and locals demanding immediate action against Bag. The victim's family also accused local authorities of dragging their feet in the case due to Bag's alleged political connections. "Four days have passed since we filed the complaint, but no arrest has been made," the victim's relative said. Sanjib Kumar Pradhan, the inspector in-charge at the Bangomunda police station, confirmed that a special team has been assembled to locate Bag.