Rayagada: The Odisha DGP has ordered to tag the Rayagada mob violence case, in which two NGO fellows were brutally assaulted after being mistaken for child kidnappers, as a 'Red Flag' case. The top cop directed the Crime Against Women (CAW) wing to monitor the case.

So far, 23 people have been arrested in connection with the mob attack that took place on June 16.

Police said several suspects are still absconding, and multiple teams have been formed to track and arrest them.

The incident, which sparked nationwide outrage, occurred near Kandulguda village under Kalyansinghpur police limits when two NGO fellows, a young woman from Bihar and her male colleague, were travelling from Kandhamal’s Daringbadi to Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district. The two, both in their early 20s, were allegedly mistaken for child lifters after rumours spread by mischief-makers triggered panic among villagers.

According to the victims, they were using Google Maps to navigate the route when they encountered a waterlogged stretch. A local approached them, questioned their identity and warned them about the road condition. The person appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. As they attempted to leave the area, their scooter skidded into a field. They then tried to flee on foot but were intercepted by a group of villagers.

The woman alleged that several people assaulted them and some individuals behaved inappropriately with her. However, a few villagers later intervened and helped them escape.

Videos of the assault, which subsequently went viral on social media, showed the mob attacking the woman and tearing her clothes. Police rescued the victims with the help of locals after receiving information about the attack.

The violence continued even after the rescue, with attackers allegedly vandalising the Community Health Centre (CHC) where the victims were undergoing treatment.

Rayagada SP Raj Prasad said preliminary investigations indicate that rumours branding the duo as child kidnappers led to the attack.

The SP also warned that strict action would be taken under the Information Technology Act against those who recorded the assault and circulated the videos on social media.

Investigators estimate that around 40 to 50 people were involved in the mob violence. Cases have been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further arrests are expected in the coming days.