The Odisha Dalit Adhikar Manch (ODAM) on Wednesdayalleged that with the influence of some local ruling BJD leaders, dominant caste people attacked the poor Dalit families of Panchabhuti village under the Jagannath Prasad police station in Ganjam district on March 24.
At a Press meet here, Manch coordinator Prasant Mallick said the Dalit families were exposed to heinous atrocities by upper caste people. But the local police are yet to take any action against the accused while the district administration has not provided any humanitarian support to the victims.
It was alleged that over 50 upper caste people led by local Sarpanch Ranjit Patra armed with sharp weapons had reached the Dalit Sahi on March 24 and abused the Dalits. They also had attacked them with sticks and pelted stones at them injuring many. They too ransacked their houses.
“The poor illiterate families are in distress for the last one month. We demand immediate Government assistance for the families and arrest of the accused persons,” said Manch Ganjam coordinator Bhikari Nayak.
“As the local Sarpanch and an MlA are involved in the incident, the Chief Minister should intervene and ensure justice to the Dalits,” said one of the victims, who described his sufferings during the Press meet.