TNI Bureau: Reacting to the Rayagada mob violence incident, Mahila Commission Chairperson Shobhna Mohanty said she had directed the SP to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a chargesheet after taking note of the case. The case, declared ‘Red Flag’ by the Odisha DGP, is under CAW wing monitoring, with 23 arrests made so far in connection with the assault on two NGO workers on June 16 over rumours of child kidnapping.

The incident took place near Kandulguda village under Kalyansinghpur police limits when a woman from Bihar and her male colleague, both in their early 20s, were travelling from Daringbadi to Thuamul Rampur. Police said rumours triggered panic, leading a mob of around 40–50 people to attack them after their scooter skidded and they were stopped by locals.

The woman alleged assault and inappropriate behaviour, while some villagers later rescued them and informed police. The mob also allegedly vandalised the Community Health Centre where the victims were taken for treatment.

Rayagada SP Raj Prasad said preliminary findings suggest rumour-mongering triggered the violence and warned of strict action under the IT Act against those circulating videos. Several accused remain absconding, and further arrests are expected under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions.