Authorities in Odisha have apprehended Rajesh Samal, the primary suspect in the harrowing torture of two Dalit men, Babula Nayak and Bulu Nayak. The incident, which occurred on June 22nd in Ganjam district, involved allegations of cattle smuggling. The arrest of Samal, along with two others, brings the total number of individuals arrested in connection with the case to twelve. Investigations are ongoing to locate and apprehend other individuals believed to be involved, according to the Dharakote police station IIC Chandrika Swain. The victims were subjected to severe abuse after being falsely accused of illegal cattle transport. A mob demanded a sum of Rs 30,000 and subsequently subjected them to brutal treatment, including physical assault, forced shaving, and being made to crawl while being forced to eat grass and drink drain water. The incident sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a video depicting the victims’ ordeal.
