ISLAMABAD: A violent attack on a Christian pastor in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district has drawn nationwide outrage, with the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) calling it a “new low” that has shamed the nation’s conscience.
The INC in a post on Facebook on Wednesday condemned India’s ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government for what it called ‘jungle raj’ or rule of the jungle in the country.
On Jan. 4, Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik, along with his family and a few others, was attending a prayer meeting at a house in Parjang village, a predominantly Hindu area with only seven Christian families.
According to Indian media reports, a mob of around 40 people from the Bajrang Dal forcibly entered the house, alleging that Naik was conducting forced religious conversions.
Naik and those present were brutally beaten.
The pastorwas tied to a Hanuman temple, red Sindoor was smeared across his face, and a garland of slippers was placed around his neck.
Forced to eat cow dung
He was then coerced into eating cow dung while being slapped repeatedly and forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram.”
Vandana Naik, the pastor’s wife, recounted that despite repeated pleas, the police did not intervene promptly.
He was later taken to the local police station but left without immediate medical assistance.
‘Blot on humanity’
The INC condemned the attack, stating that it represents a “blot on humanity and civilized society” and reflects the rising trend of crimes against minorities since 2014. “Mobs have been emboldened, violence normalized, and minorities persecuted under the current government’s divisive politics,” the party said in the Facebook post.
A social activist stated that Pastor Naik was made to sit at the police station for nearly an hour without medical care, highlighting the failure of authorities to protect victims promptly, Indian media reported.
While a police complaint has been registered, a counter FIR accusing Naik of forced conversion was also filed, intensifying tensions in the village.
The incident has ignited calls for strict action against those responsible, with political leaders stressing that the pastor and his family deserve justice under the Constitution of India.
Congress emphasized that it will continue to fight for minority rights, asserting that such acts of mob violence mark “the true face of the BJP” and a new low in the country’s governance.
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