Bhubaneswar: In a significant development in the Rayagada mob violence case that sparked widespread outrage, Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, an IPS officer of 1990 batch, has directed that the assault on two NGO workers from Delhi be treated as a “Red Flag” case. The move signals heightened scrutiny and a high-priority investigation into the incident, in which a mob allegedly attacked the victims after mistaking them for members of a child-lifting gang.
The case will now be monitored by the Crime Branch’s Crime Prevention and Control Wing (CAW & CW), with senior officers supervising the investigation and examining whether additional legal provisions need to be invoked against those involved.
DGP Orders High-Priority Investigation
Following the shocking incident, Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania directed that the case be categorized under the police department’s “Red Flag” category, reserved for serious and sensitive cases requiring close monitoring and swift investigation.
The investigation will be conducted under the supervision of CAW & CW Additional Director General (ADG) S. Saini. According to police sources, a team led by ADG Saini is expected to visit the scene of the incident shortly to assess the circumstances firsthand and review the ongoing investigation.
Officials said the Crime Branch team will also interact with the victims through video conferencing. If necessary, officers may travel to Delhi to record their statements in person.
What Happened in Rayagada?
The incident occurred on the night of June 16 in Kandulguda village under Dhamunipanga Panchayat in Odisha’s Rayagada district.
According to police, the two victims, who were NGO workers from Delhi, were travelling from Daringbadi towards Thuamul Rampur block in neighbouring Kalahandi district as part of their field activities.
While passing through the village, they reportedly stopped to seek directions from local residents. During the interaction, they spoke with children in the area and allegedly distributed biscuits.
Their actions triggered suspicion among some villagers, who allegedly began spreading rumours that the visitors were child kidnappers or members of a child-lifting gang.
Within a short time, a crowd gathered and allegedly assaulted the two NGO workers before police intervention.
Twenty People Detained So Far
Rayagada Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said police have so far detained 20 individuals in connection with the incident.
Authorities have registered three separate cases and are continuing raids at multiple locations to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved in the attack.
“Raids are being conducted at various places to arrest the remaining accused. A special team has been formed for this purpose,” SP Raj Prasad said.
The SP further stated that several key accused, including those believed to have played a leading role in the assault, are among the individuals currently in police custody.
Special Legal Team Reviewing Charges
Police have constituted a dedicated legal team to examine all documents, FIRs and evidence related to the case.
Officials indicated that additional charges may be invoked against the accused after a detailed legal review.
The objective is to ensure that all applicable provisions under criminal law are included in the case so that prosecution can proceed effectively.
Social Media Videos Under Scanner
The incident gained national attention after videos of the assault surfaced on social media platforms and went viral.
However, police have cautioned that circulating videos of victims without consent may violate provisions of the Information Technology Act and infringe upon the victims’ right to privacy.
SP Raj Prasad said the cyber wing of Odisha Police is closely monitoring social media activity related to the case.
Authorities are examining the origin and circulation of videos and may initiate action against individuals found violating legal provisions.
Crime Branch to Question Victims
As part of the expanded investigation, the Crime Branch team will record the statements of the victims and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the attack.
Officials said the investigation will focus on:
- The origin of child-lifting rumours.
- Individuals responsible for spreading misinformation.
- The role of social media and local communication networks.
- The participation of each accused in the assault.
- Potential conspiracy or organized mobilisation of the crowd.
The inquiry is also expected to examine whether local awareness gaps and misinformation contributed to the violence.
Growing Concern Over Mob Violence Triggered by Rumours
The Rayagada incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by rumours and misinformation, particularly allegations related to child kidnapping, which have triggered several incidents of mob violence across different parts of the country in recent years.
Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly urged citizens not to act on unverified information and to immediately inform police if they suspect any criminal activity.
The latest decision to classify the Rayagada assault as a “Red Flag” case indicates the seriousness with which Odisha Police is treating the matter and its intention to ensure accountability for those involved.
