Fact-Finding Report Uncovers Police Brutality Against Tribal Women, Children, and Priests in Odisha

Juba, Gajapati, 14 April 2025 – A fact-finding team of legal professionals and a social activist has documented disturbing instances of police brutality against tribal women, children, and Catholic priests in Odisha’s Gajapati district. The incident occurred on March 22, 2025, in the village of Juba, Mohana block, and was investigated during a site visit on April 9.

The violence began when approximately 15 police personnel entered the Juba Catholic Church without a warrant while four tribal girls and young women were cleaning the church for Sunday Mass. Officers allegedly desecrated the premises, broke cleaning tools, and physically assaulted the women and children—acts that violated constitutional and legal protections, including Article 25 and Section 298 of the BNSS, 2023.

Tribal Women and Children Subjected to Violence

Two adult women were reportedly beaten and dragged to a police bus. The two minor girls, aged 12, ran in fear to the presbytery. A 38-year-old cook from the Sabar tribe who tried to intervene was also assaulted, with her clothing torn in the process.

Other tribal women and children, some carrying infants, were forced onto police buses and later abandoned far from home. Their mobile phones were seized and remain unrecovered. These incidents constitute violations under the POCSO Act (2012), BNSS Section 74, and Articles 21 and 15(3)(4) of the Constitution.

Priests Beaten, Accused Without Basis

Responding to the commotion, Fr. J.G., 56, from Kerala, and newly ordained Fr. D.N. were violently attacked by the police. They were dragged over 300 meters, beaten, and accused of converting villagers and “being Pakistanis.” Fr. D.N. suffered a fractured shoulder and lost consciousness.

Meanwhile, police allegedly entered the presbytery, consumed water, and stole ₹40,000 in cash. The report highlights this as a targeted act against Christian religious figures and sacred spaces.

Grieving Family Assaulted

A widow, M.M., and her 17-year-old daughter were also attacked despite having just returned from a funeral. They were dragged and beaten by the police, further violating provisions under the Juvenile Justice Act (2015) and Article 39(e)(f) of the Constitution.

Homes, Food, and Icons Desecrated

The police reportedly damaged over 20 motorcycles, destroyed food supplies including rice and poultry, and vandalized religious icons of Jesus and Mary. These acts were identified as communal and targeted, falling under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and violating basic rights under Articles 14 and 15.

A District Already on the Margins

Gajapati is one of Odisha’s most underdeveloped districts, ranking 27th out of 30 on the Human Development Index. With over 50% tribal population and 38% Christians, the area is highly vulnerable. Mohana block has a female literacy rate of just 37.11%, and 93% of its population lives in rural areas. The report notes these socio-economic challenges compound the community’s exposure to systemic neglect and violence.

Key Observations by the Team

- The fact-finding team highlighted multiple structural concerns:

- No FIRs have been filed even after 20 days; victims remain without legal acknowledgment or support.

- Survivors, including the injured priest, remain in trauma, fear, and disbelief, especially as police—the protectors—turned perpetrators.

- The incident is reportedly the first of its kind in Odisha where Catholic priests were publicly beaten by police.

- The attacks appear motivated by communal or casteist bias, particularly toward religious and tribal minorities.

- There is a noticeable absence of civil society response, legal aid, or coverage by mainstream media, contributing to further silencing.

- The report calls out the lack of action by institutions like the Women’s Commission, Minority Commission, and Human Rights bodies.

Recommendations from the Team

- The report urges immediate state response through:

- Legal action under SC/ST PoA Act, POCSO, BNSS, and relevant constitutional provisions.

- Human rights and secular values training for police forces under NHRC guidance.

- Community policing and inclusive recruitment policies.

- Victim support mechanisms and involvement of civil society in reconciliation processes.

- Responsible media engagement to ensure such incidents are not ignored or repeated.

The report, based on survivor testimonies, emphasizes the urgent need to address violence against marginalized communities in Gajapati. It serves not only as a record of injustice but as a call to action for accountability, peace, and the restoration of dignity in the region.

The team behind the investigation includes members of the Odisha Lawyers Forum: Advocates Clara D Souza, Gitanjali Senapati, Thomas E.A., Kulakant Dandasena, Sujata Jena, Anjali Nayak, Ajaya Kumar Singh, and social activist Subal Nayak.

By Catholic Connect Reporter