Odisha Police Classifies Rayagada Mob Assault as ‘Red Flag’ Case, Crime Branch Joins Probe

Rayagada: The Odisha Police has escalated its response to the mob assault incident in Rayagada by bringing the case under the ‘Red Flag’ category, a move reserved for cases requiring heightened monitoring and urgent investigation due to their serious and sensitive nature.

The decision was taken on Sunday following directions from Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania, who instructed that the investigation be treated with the highest priority. The Crime Against Women (CAW) wing has also been directed to closely monitor and support the probe.

The action comes days after two NGO interns were allegedly attacked by a mob in Kalyansinghpur area of Rayagada district after being falsely suspected of child lifting.

According to police, the incident occurred on the night of June 16 near Kandulguda village when the two young volunteers—a woman from Bihar and her male colleague from Gujarat—were travelling from Daringbadi in Kandhamal district to Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district. Investigators believe rumours spread by mischief-makers triggered panic among local residents, eventually leading to the assault.

Rayagada Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said the district police had recommended the ‘Red Flag’ classification considering the seriousness of the incident and wider public concern surrounding the case.

To strengthen the investigation, the Crime Branch has formally joined the probe and is assisting local police teams. Authorities have so far arrested 23 persons, while several others remain under detention for questioning. Police said dedicated teams have been deployed to track down additional accused who are still absconding.

Officials confirmed that three separate criminal cases have been registered in connection with the incident.

Police have also widened the scope of the investigation to include circulation of videos related to the assault. A cyber investigation is underway under the supervision of the DIG, South Eastern Range, to identify individuals who recorded and shared visual content of the incident online.

The Superintendent of Police said strict action would be initiated under provisions of the Information Technology Act against those found responsible for filming and circulating the footage.

He further stated that the case involves concerns related to the dignity and privacy of the woman survivor, and unauthorised recording and dissemination of such content amounts to a serious legal offence.

A special legal assistance team has additionally been constituted to examine FIRs, evaluate evidence and support prosecution strategy as the investigation progresses.

Police confirmed that the principal accused has already been arrested. The two injured volunteers are reported to be recovering, while efforts continue to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the mob violence.