Veteran Congress leader K.C. Venugopal criticized the assault on a pastor and Christian community members in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on January 4. Venugopal called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack. He highlighted the violent incident where the pastor was detained, beaten, and subjected to humiliating acts.
Venugopal accused a group, allegedly including Bajrang Dal activists, of surrounding the pastor’s house during Sunday prayers. The pastor was publicly humiliated, forced to eat cow dung, and coerced into chanting religious slogans. Venugopal emphasized that such acts of violence and religious coercion have no place in a civilized society. He urged authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators.
The Congress leader condemned the lack of action against the accused despite the severity of the crimes. He pointed out that the safety of every citizen, regardless of faith, is the government’s responsibility. Venugopal criticized the Odisha government for its silence on such incidents, stating that it encourages perpetrators to act with impunity.
Venugopal called for immediate arrests and prosecution of those involved in the attack. He demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and similar attacks on minorities in Odisha. The Congress leader stressed the need for protection and rehabilitation of the affected families.
