Rayagada: In the wake of alleged molestation and disrobing of a woman research scholar in Odisha’s Rayagada district after a mob mistook her and a male colleague for child-lifters, police conducted a flag march on Monday in Kalyansingpur to restore normalcy and raise awareness against rumour-mongering.
According to sources, the flag march commenced from the premises of Kalyansinghpur police station and proceeded up to the State Bank Square. During the march, police officers and personnel urged citizens not to believe in rumours, refrain from spreading unverified information, and avoid taking the law into their own hands. This step has been taken by the administration to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to maintain law and order in the region.
While 24 persons had so far been arrested in connection with the incident, police are examining video footage and circumstantial evidence to identify the remaining perpetrators.
The Odisha Police have accorded ‘Red Flag’ status for priority investigation and fast-tracked legal action into the June 16 incident. The ‘Red Flag’ category, introduced in 2014, applies to serious crimes against women to ensure immediate attention and top-priority investigation. While the investigating officer will remain the same, the Crime Against Women & Children Wing (CAW&CW) of the crime branch-CID will monitor the case.
Key Reasons Why a Case Gets a ‘Red Flag’ Tag
The classification is typically reserved for crimes that have a severe or sensitive impact on society:
>> Targeting Vulnerable Groups: Barbaric violence or offenses directed against women and children, including instances like child abuse or minor sexual assaults.
>> Law and Order Disruption: Incidents where citizens or mobs take the law into their own hands, potentially causing a major breakdown of public order and safety.
Once a case is tagged as a Red Flag, the investigation process changes in three major ways: High-level of supervision and in this case by CAW&CW, fast-track investigation with special investigative teams, rapid forensic support, and analysis of digital evidence to apprehend all remaining suspects quickly, and swift prosecution and speedy trial with police expected to file a charge sheet as quickly as possible by completing investigation within 2 months of the case being registered. The administration coordinates closely with dedicated public prosecutors to push for a speedy trial in court, aiming to set a strong legal example for society.
The team will travel to Rayagada as part of the investigation. If required, they will also visit New Delhi too or connect with the two students via video-conferencing to collect more information.
IGP Shyni S, head of CAW&CW, described the incident as “highly unfortunate and sad.” “The first set of instructions have already been issued based on available documents. Our office will monitor the women’s section and Red Flag section of the investigation and even at the trial stage to ensure strict punishment for the culprits,” she stated.
She noted that a large group, many reportedly intoxicated, targeted the woman based on baseless allegations. “This reflects an attitude beyond the allegation of branding them as child lifters,” she stressed.
The senior IPS officer also expressed deep gratitude to a local youth, Balaram Bag, who demonstrated immense conviction and courage by intervening to rescue the woman. “He has set an example and I hope the rest of Odisha’s society show similar sensitivity and respect toward women,” she said.
She announced plans for an awareness campaign promoting “positive bystander interventions,” especially in remote areas where police response can be delayed.
She also urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands or engage in physical violence. “If someone is suspected of a crime, the public’s responsibility is to detain them peacefully if possible and immediately alert the police by dialling 112. Taking illegal, violent action can lead to severe legal consequences, including life imprisonment or the death penalty for offenders,” she added.
Victims Targeted During Field Visit
The victims, both in their early 20s and pursuing fellowships with an NGO working in Daringbadi and Kalahandi, were returning on a scooty from an exposure visit on the evening of June 16. They were passing through Kandulguda village under Kalyansinghpur police limits when they stopped to ask for directions.
Their interaction with local children, including distributing biscuits or sweets, sparked suspicion. A mob of 40-50 people gathered, accused them of being child lifters, and launched a brutal assault that lasted around 30 minutes. The woman was disrobed, molested, and dragged by her hair, while her male colleague was severely beaten. The victims pleaded for mercy but were ignored as many bystanders reportedly filmed the violence instead of intervening.
A local youth present at the spot eventually stepped in, gave his own clothes to the injured woman to cover herself, and helped rescue the victims from the hostile crowd even as local police led by Kalyansinghpur IIC Kalpana Behera struggled to control the situation. The mob allegedly hurled abuses at cops and even attempted to throttle IIC Behera.
The duo was then rushed to the local Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment. However, attackers did not stop there, they gheraoed the police station, staged a road blockade and even vandalised the CHC.
Police have registered three cases for assault on the victims, obstruction of police officers while performing their duties and vandalising of the CHC. Initially, 16 accused individuals were arrested and forwarded to court, followed by the arrest of 5 more individuals. On Sunday, another 3 people were arrested, taking the total to 24.
Sources said the mob was led by a man identified as Krushna. Police, however, did not confirm whether he is among those arrested.