Ganjam: Two Dalit Men Tortured, Forced to Eat Grass and Drink Drain Water Over False Cattle Smuggling Accusations!

Berhampur: In a horrific incident sparking statewide outrage, two Dalit men from Ganjam district were brutally tortured, forced to eat grass, and made to drink drain water after being falsely accused of cattle smuggling.
The assault occurred in broad daylight in Kharigumma village, under Dharakote block, Ganjam district, as per reports.

The victims, Bulu Nayak and Babul Nayak from Singipur village, were transporting three cows from Haripur to Singipur for a family marriage’s dowry arrangement. At Kharigumma, a group of locals intercepted them, accused them of illegal cattle transport, and demanded a bribe. When the duo refused, they were beaten, partially shaved at a local salon, and paraded for nearly two kilometers to Jahada village.

In Jahada’s village square, the tied-up victims were allegedly forced to consume grass and drain water, drawing widespread condemnation and raising concerns about law and order in the district. Escaping during a moment of distraction, the men filed a complaint at Dharakote Police Station and were admitted to a hospital with visible head and back injuries, reports added.

Dharakote Police confirmed an ongoing investigation, with seven to eight individuals suspected of involvement. Occurring days before the Chief Minister’s visit to Aska, the incident has shocked residents, who criticize the police and administration for failing to curb rising lawlessness in Ganjam, where criminals seem to operate without fear.