Daijiworld Media Network - Rayagada

Rayagada, Jun 20: A woman NGO worker was allegedly molested and assaulted along with her male colleague in Odisha’s Rayagada district after locals suspected them of being child kidnappers. Police have arrested 16 people in connection with the incident.

The incident took place on June 16 when the two NGO workers, who are from outside Odisha, were travelling from Daringbadi to Thuamul Rampur block in neighbouring Kalahandi district.

According to police, the duo stopped at Kandulguda village under Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada to ask for directions. During their interaction with villagers, they reportedly spoke with children and distributed biscuits, following which rumours spread that they were involved in child kidnapping.

A crowd gathered at the spot and allegedly attacked the two despite their attempts to prove their identity. The woman said she repeatedly showed her NGO identification card to the villagers, but they refused to believe her.

“I showed the ID card that we had. They did not believe it. They beat me a lot. They pulled my hair, tore my clothes, and someone touched me inappropriately,” she said.

She added that some people tried to help her and later rescued her by putting her inside the vehicle.

The male colleague said they had entered the village only because Google Maps directed them through that route.

“Google Maps showed that route, so we were going that way. Otherwise, we would not have gone there. Villagers were chasing us and many were standing with sticks. Someone even threw a stone at her,” he said.

Rayagada Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said a case has been registered and 16 people have been arrested so far.

“Some of the main accused are also among those arrested. Interrogation, verification of footage and examination of witnesses are underway. A criminal case has been registered under several sections,” he said.

Police said further investigation into the incident is ongoing.