What Action is the OHRC Taking Against Police Misconduct in Nayagarh?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Odisha Human Rights Commission has ordered a probe into police excesses against tribal communities in Nayagarh. Allegations of false arrests and land encroachment have sparked demands for justice and accountability. Will the intervention bring relief to the affected communities?
Key Takeaways
- OHRC demands report on police excesses
- Allegations of false arrests against tribal individuals
- Activist calls for judicial inquiry and compensation
- Reports due by November 18, 2025
- Highlighting ongoing human rights issues in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has instructed the Collector and Superintendent of Police in Nayagarh district to produce distinct reports regarding allegations of police misconduct against tribal communities and the filing of fraudulent cases influenced by a notable individual from Bhubaneswar.
This directive followed a request by rights activist Himanshu Sekhar Nayak, who has urged the authorities to provide factual reports to the commission by November 18, 2025.
Nayak’s petition claims that on May 5, 2025, approximately 30 individuals from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community were detained by Chandpur Police in a fabricated case for resisting land mafias attempting to encroach upon government property and illegally extract minor minerals in the area.
The petition further states that an influential person from the Patia region of Bhubaneswar acquired a few acres of land in Kusupalla Mouza within the jurisdiction of Chandpur Police, yet he has unlawfully encroached upon hundreds of acres belonging to tribal communities and government land, which is highly concerning,” Nayak asserted.
Additionally, the activist alleged that on May 3, associates of the supposed land mafia reportedly assaulted unsuspecting tribal members in Kusupalla village who were opposing the encroachment.
“When the innocent tribal individuals objected, the mafia attacked them with lethal weapons in broad daylight. This has become a recurring pattern where tribal people are falsely implicated and subjected to brutal attacks,” Nayak accused.
He claimed that when the tribal members approached the Chandpur police station to report the assault by the accused individuals, the police instead arrested the tribals based on the false allegations made by the ‘land mafia’.
Upon learning of this incident, the activist sought the involvement of the OHRC for a judicial investigation and financial restitution for the affected tribal individuals, among other demands.
Point of View
Our commitment to justice and human rights remains paramount. The allegations of police excesses against tribal communities in Nayagarh highlight a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. We stand with the affected communities and advocate for thorough investigations and accountability.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the OHRC to intervene in Nayagarh?
The OHRC intervened following a petition from rights activist Himanshu Sekhar Nayak, highlighting allegations of police misconduct and false arrests of tribal individuals.
What specific incidents are being investigated?
The OHRC is investigating reports of police excesses, including the arrest of 30 tribal individuals under false pretenses related to land encroachment.
What are the demands made by the activist?
Nayak has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incidents and financial compensation for the victimized tribal communities.
When is the OHRC expected to receive the reports?
The OHRC has set a deadline for the authorities to submit factual reports by November 18, 2025.
What is the significance of this case?
This case underscores ongoing human rights concerns, especially regarding the treatment of tribal communities in Odisha.
