A 20-year-old tribal woman from Odisha’s Balangir district has accused a man of assaulting her, making casteist remarks, and attempting to force-feed her human faeces.
The incident occurred on November 16 when the woman was returning home after bathing in a village pond. She alleged that Abhay Bagh, a resident of the village, attacked her and used caste-based slurs.
The woman filed a complaint at Bangomunda Police Station, leading to the registration of an FIR.
According to her complaint, Bagh struck her on the chest, causing her to fall. When her elderly mother attempted to intervene, the man allegedly tried to strangle and verbally abused her. The woman further alleged that Bagh smeared her face with human faeces and attempted to force-feed it to her.
The woman alleged that this was in retaliation for her protest against the accused, a non-tribal man, for operating a tractor on her agricultural land and damaging her crops.
Kantabanji Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gaurang Charan Sahu confirmed that the accused is absconding but assured that efforts are underway to arrest him.
The incident has sparked an outrage among local tribal organisations, who are demanding prompt justice.
Members of the Tribal Welfare Association have called for strict action against the accused and warned of protests if the administration fails to act promptly.
Local social worker Ajit Joshi condemned the attack, describing it as a “reprehensible act.” He urged the district administration to ensure the accused is arrested and brought to justice without delay.
Further police investigation is underway.
(With inputs from Ajay Kumar)