Bhubaneswar: Santosh Parida, who was brutally beaten by a mob of Islamists over a cattle smuggling in Odisha’s Bhadrak district, succumbed to his injuries after a 13-day battle for his life at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Following the news of his death, tensions have risen in parts of Bhadrak district. So far, the police have arrested 12 individuals in connection with the incident, and additional police forces have been deployed in Parida’s village to maintain law and order.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the bereaved family, along with a government job for one family member. Given the seriousness of the situation, internet services have been suspended in some areas of Bhadrak.
The incident occurred on May 30. Eyewitnesses reported that on that day, several individuals were transporting cows from Kashti village under Tihidi Panchayat to Guzidarda village. Local residents questioned them, which escalated into a heated argument between the two groups. Shortly after, a mob of over 100 people from nearby villages arrived at the scene. Santosh Parida attempted to intervene and mediate, but the agitated mob allegedly assaulted him severely with their hands, feet, and sticks.
More than 25 individuals from the mob are believed to have been directly involved in the lynching. Following the attack, Parida’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He was initially admitted to the district headquarters hospital in Bhadrak and later transferred to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he remained until his death on Wednesday.
Santosh’s wife, Minati Parida, filed a written complaint with the police, leading to the registration of FIR No. 197/25 by Tihidi Police. As of Wednesday, 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
In response to the incident and the fragile law-and-order situation, police forces have been deployed in Kashti village. Bhadrak Superintendent of Police, Manoj Kumar Rout, visited the family of the deceased and assured them that strict and exemplary action will be taken against the accused.
VHP Demands Justice for Santosh’s Family
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for justice for the family of Santosh Parida, who died following an assault by cow smugglers in Bhadrak district, Odisha. During a joint press conference held by the VHP and Bajrang Dal in Bhadrak, the organisations stated that cow mafias are operating with impunity in the district, and that their violent actions led to Santosh’s death.
VHP leaders alleged that Santosh’s brutal killing resulted from a conspiracy by a specific group within the Muslim community. They blamed the district administration for its negligence and failure to apprehend the main culprits, noting that only 12 individuals out of a mob of hundreds have been arrested so far.
They demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and insisted on strict punishment for all those involved. The VHP cautioned that if justice is not served, the peaceful Sanatani (Hindu) community may feel compelled to take the law into their own hands.
Additionally, the VHP accused certain anti-social elements within the minority community of engaging in activities such as “love jihad,” while alleging that the administration continues to ignore these threats.
They further stated that if the authorities do not take decisive action against the accused, the administration will be held accountable for any serious consequences that may arise in the near future.
Among the VHP leaders present at the press conference were Secretary Basant Kumar Rout, President Kahnu Charan Singh, Joint Secretary Alok Kumar Panda, Durga Vahini Chief Madhusmita Mahapatra, Vice President Maa Govind Nayak, Nirmal Rout, and several other office-bearers.
Chief Minister Expresses Grief, Announces Rs 10 Lakh Compensation and Job for Kin of Deceased
Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Santosh Parida, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a recent incident within the Tihidi police station limits in Bhadrak district.
The Chief Minister stated that strict and exemplary legal action will be taken against those responsible for the incident, and justice will be ensured for the victim’s family.
He also announced that the deceased’s family will receive ₹10 lakh in financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and one eligible family member will be provided with a government job.
Internet Services Suspended for 24 Hours in Bhadrak Amid Communal Tension
In response to escalating communal tensions in Bhadrak, the district administration has made the unprecedented decision to suspend internet services for 24 hours.
This measure aims to prevent the spread of rumours and to maintain law and order in sensitive areas. According to district authorities, the suspension will be in effect from 6 AM today until 6 AM tomorrow.
The areas affected include Bhadrak Municipality, Bhadrak Block, Tihidi, Dhamnagar Block, and Dhamnagar Municipality. To ensure peace and public order, 27 platoons of police forces have been deployed to these sensitive zones.
The district administration is closely monitoring the situation, with Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Rout personally overseeing developments.
