Expressing “deep shock” over the alleged assault on a Christian pastor and members of the community in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking immediate action against those responsible.
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In his letter, Mr. Venugopal referred to the January 4 incident in Parjang village, where Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik was allegedly attacked while conducting Sunday prayers at his residence. According to the Congress leader, a mob of around 40 people, “reportedly consisting of Bajrang Dal activists”, surrounded the house and assaulted those present, including the pastor’s family and seven Christian families.
‘Public lynching’
Describing the incident as “despicable and barbaric”, Mr. Venugopal said the pastor had been detained, beaten, and publicly humiliated.
