Brutal Attack on Scheduled Caste Victims in Ganjam
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of a shocking case of caste-based violence in Odisha’s Ganjam district. O
n June 26, 2025, two Scheduled Caste men were reportedly beaten, forced to eat grass, and made to drink drain water. Their mobile phones were allegedly snatched and their heads forcibly shaved by a group of individuals from another community, suspecting them of illegal cattle smuggling.
This appalling act of humiliation and torture has drawn sharp criticism and raised deep concerns about the state of human rights in rural India.
NHRC Issues Notices, Demands Accountability
Terming the incident a grave violation of human dignity and rights, the NHRC has issued notices to Odisha’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police. The Commission has demanded a comprehensive report within two weeks detailing:
- Action taken against the perpetrators
- Current health status and safety of the victims
- Compensation or rehabilitation provided
The Commission has underscored that if the media reports are accurate, this incident reflects a failure in preventing social violence and enforcing the rule of law.
Calls for Justice and Systemic Change
Civil society groups and Dalit rights activists have condemned the incident and demanded swift justice. They argue that such atrocities are part of a larger pattern of caste-based oppression, especially in rural belts where Scheduled Castes continue to face systemic discrimination and targeted violence.
NHRC’s intervention comes at a time when reports of mob justice and vigilantism, often under the guise of cattle protection, are on the rise. Human rights defenders have called on authorities to act not only against the individuals involved but also to review systemic gaps that allow such hate crimes to occur.
Odisha Government Under Scrutiny
While the Odisha government has yet to release a formal statement, pressure is mounting. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media and among opposition parties, demanding accountability and immediate action to prevent recurrence.
In a democratic society, such incidents cannot be brushed aside. The right to dignity, irrespective of caste, religion, or occupation, is a constitutional guarantee. NHRC’s proactive approach is a step toward ensuring justice for the victims.
Looking Ahead
As the deadline for the NHRC report draws near, all eyes will be on the Odisha administration. Will the state rise to the occasion and ensure accountability? Or will this case join the long list of unresolved caste atrocities?
Justice delayed is justice denied. It is imperative that state mechanisms act swiftly, uphold human rights, and send a clear message that caste violence has no place in a modern, democratic India.
