In a shocking incident from Bhadrak district’s Gujidarda Panchayat, a Hindu family was attacked, but local police have allegedly failed to take action against the accused, despite their history of criminal activities. The police’s inaction has triggered growing resentment among the local population, with many accusing authorities of shielding the culprits rather than bringing them to justice.
The Dharam Raksha Samiti, a local religious and social group, has stepped in, with a delegation meeting Bhadrak District Collector to submit a memorandum demanding immediate action. The Samiti has given the administration a three-day ultimatum to arrest the accused and address other demands. If the authorities fail to act within this period, the Samiti has warned of mass protests and a call for a Bhadrak shutdown.
Details of the Incident
The attack took place a few days ago when a 17-year-old youth, Shubham Jena, had an altercation with a tractor driver over a cold drink purchase. The driver called his associates, including Mohammed Farhad Alam (Luka) and his brother Babu, who arrived at the scene and physically assaulted Shubham. When Shubham’s mother and sister tried to intervene, his mother was injured and had to be treated at Bhadrak Medical Center.
Shubham’s sister, Shrutiprabha Jena, managed to record the attack on her mobile phone. However, Mohammed Farhad Alam (Luka) allegedly forcibly snatched the phone from her, erased all evidence and personal data, including the video recording of the assault.
Hours after the initial incident, a group of armed individuals, reportedly led by Luka’s associates Imtiaz and Samsad, stormed Shubham’s house, further escalating the violence. Shubham’s father, Ravindra Jena, attempted to file a formal complaint at the Gujidarda police outpost, but he and his family were allegedly detained at the station from 4:30 PM until midnight. According to the family, Officer Budhiram Mohanty cited the presence of a hostile crowd outside the station as the reason for their detention, effectively protecting the assailants from arrest.
The attackers, including Luka, are now reportedly issuing death threats and threats of sexual violence against Shubham’s family. Shockingly, local police officials have allegedly stated that no action will be taken against the accused, leading to accusations that the case is being deliberately suppressed.
Dharma Raksha Samiti’s Demands
In their memorandum, the Dharam Raksha Samiti called for the immediate arrest of Mohammed Farhad Alam (Luka) and his brother Babu. They also demanded the arrest of those responsible for tampering with Shrutiprabha’s mobile phone, which contained crucial evidence of the attack.
Other key demands include the establishment of a permanent police barrack in Gujidarda to prevent further communal violence, and disciplinary action against police officers accused of negligence in handling the case.
Warning of Protest and Shutdown
Senior Functionary Manas Mohanty, Dr. Ajay Panda, President of the Dharam Raksha Samiti, along with other leaders including Surendranath Mahapatra, Ajay Das, General Secretary Sanjeeb Das, and Balram Jena, emphasized that if these demands are not met within three days, the group will organize large-scale protests and call for a complete shutdown (Bandh) in Bhadrak.
The situation remains tense as locals await the administration’s response to the escalating communal tensions and demand for justice.
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