Communal tensions flared in Remuna town of Balasore district, Odisha, after an ambulance carrying two critically ill children was viciously attacked by a mob participating in a Muharram procession late at night on July 6. The disturbing incident has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the disregard for public safety and emergency services during religious processions.
The ambulance, bearing registration number OD02BJ-5937, was ferrying Rashmiranjan Sahu, his wife Urmila, and their two young children, three-and-a-half-year-old Smrutiranjan and two-and-a-half-year-old Labanya, to Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital, as both children were suffering from severe fever, with one reportedly running a temperature as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The incident took place at approximately 10:30 PM near Hatiagand Square in Remuna Bazaar while the family was desperately trying to reach the hospital.
Mob Turns Violent Over Siren During Maatam
According to eyewitness accounts and video evidence, the ambulance was trying to manoeuvre through the dense Muharram crowd when its siren allegedly disrupted the ‘maatam’ (mourning rituals) of the procession. Despite the clear emergency, a group of 10–15 individuals stopped the ambulance, hurling abuses at the driver and questioning the use of the siren during the religious event.
What started as verbal abuse quickly spiralled into violence. The mob began pelting stones and striking the ambulance with sticks, causing panic inside the vehicle. The ambulance helper, Sureshwar Mahalik, was dragged out, beaten, and had his shirt torn while others shattered the rear windshield. Broken glass flew inside, injuring both children and their parents.
“We covered our children with our own bodies to shield them from the glass and the mob’s fury. My son was burning with fever, yet we were helpless as they kept attacking us,” said shaken Rashmiranjan Sahu, the father.
The terrified driver, Gajendra Das, reportedly turned off the siren but was forced to remain stuck at the spot for over half an hour as the mob continued its assault. The vehicle eventually managed to inch forward after the worst of the violence subsided.
Bystanders Remained Silent, No Arrests Yet
Shockingly, despite the brutal attack unfolding in public, bystanders did not intervene, and many allegedly joined in assaulting the vehicle from behind. The family has described the ordeal as nothing short of terror and lawlessness.
A formal police complaint has been lodged at the Remuna Police Station by the ambulance staff. So far, however, no arrests have been made, fueling anger and frustration among the local community.
Violated Guidelines, Weak Policing
Before Muharram, the district administration and local community leaders had held peace committee meetings, setting down strict guidelines, including a 10 PM cut-off time for processions to ensure public order. However, this directive was blatantly violated as the procession continued past midnight, with little intervention from authorities.
The failure to enforce agreed-upon regulations is now under scrutiny, with many questioning how such a volatile situation was allowed to unfold unchecked.
Widespread Outrage Over Inhumanity
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from across social media and civil society. Many pointed out the grave danger posed by mob mentality during religious processions, particularly when essential services like ambulances are attacked.
“No religion permits the obstruction of emergency services. This is not faith, it is lawlessness,” wrote one user on social media, echoing the sentiments of thousands expressing outrage over the incident.
There are increasing calls for invoking stringent legal provisions, including the National Security Act (NSA), against the attackers to send a strong message that human life and emergency response cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
The family, however, remains traumatised, not only by the violent assault but by the indifference that surrounded them during their hour of need.
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