Cong, AIMIM leaders condemn attack on Christian pastor in Odisha, demand action

New Delhi [India], January 23 (ANI): Congress leader KC Venugopal and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday alleged a mob attack on Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik and members of the Christian community in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, and sought urgent action against those involved.
In a post on X, Venugopal described the incident as a "gruesome mob lynching" and alleged the involvement of Bajrang Dal and "other Sangh outfits."
"The gruesome mob lynching of Pastor Bipin Naik in Odisha is the latest example of the terror unleashed by Bajrang Dal and other Sangh outfits against Christians across the country -- with Odisha emerging as a state of particular concern," the post stated.
Venugopal stated that he has written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Manjhi seeking urgent intervention and the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the alleged "hate crime".
AIMIM chief, in a series of posts on X, claimed that the incident was part of a pattern of targeting minorities in the state.
"The mob attack on the pastor in Odisha is only one of several incidents. Ever since the BJP has formed a government in Odisha, the state's tribals, Muslims and Christians have been targeted continuously," he said, alleging that "multiple Bengali Muslim street vendors have been beaten up & threatened." Owaisi added, "In short 'jungle raj' has arrived."
Referring to incidents in other BJP-ruled states, Owaisi said, "If you want to know what happens next, look at the news from BJP-ruled states, including Uttar Pradesh," citing cases he said reflected a pattern of impunity.
According to the allegations made in the letter, the incident occurred on January 4, 2026, in Parjang village, Dhenkanal district. A mob of around 40 persons allegedly surrounded a house where Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik was conducting regular Sunday prayers with his wife, children and seven Christian families. The mob allegedly assaulted those present, detained and beat the pastor, smeared his face with sindoor, placed a garland of sandals around his neck and paraded him publicly.
The pastor was then allegedly tied up in front of a local temple, forced to eat cow dung, made to chant "Jai Shri Ram," and compelled to drink water from a sewer, as per the allegations made in the letter.
In his letter to Amit Shah, Venugopal said, "Seven Christian families have since been forced to flee their homes out of fear. Such acts have no place in a civilised society. Shockingly, no strict action has been taken against the accused, despite the size of the mob and the gravity of the crimes." (ANI)