Eight Bengal labourers stripped, beaten, paraded in Odisha over misconduct allegation

Eight labourers from West Bengal faced public humiliation and violence after being accused of misconduct in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. The incident occurred when a woman alleged that one of the labourers forcibly entered her home and misbehaved with her. This accusation sparked a brutal response from the villagers, according to local authorities.

Acting on the woman’s complaint, a mob captured the accused labourer and seven others who were reportedly in the area. The enraged crowd tied them with ropes, stripped them of their clothing, and paraded them through the streets. Witnesses reported that the men were also subjected to severe physical assault during the ordeal.

When police attempted to intervene, they encountered resistance from the angry villagers. Some officers were allegedly attacked by the mob, who refused to release the labourers. The situation escalated further when a journalist covering the incident was reportedly threatened by the crowd.

“We have filed three FIRs in connection with this incident—one from the labourers, one from the woman, and one from the police. Investigations are ongoing, and we are reviewing CCTV footage to identify all those involved in the mob violence,” said a senior police official.

The Sundargarh incident has sparked outrage, with many condemning the mob’s actions as a failure to uphold the rule of law. Police assured the public that appropriate action will be taken against all culprits, whether for the alleged harassment or for the violent mob attack.

This disturbing case highlights the dangers of mob justice and the urgent need for law enforcement to maintain control in volatile situations. It also underscores the broader societal challenges of addressing allegations of misconduct while ensuring justice is pursued through lawful means.