Barbaric public humiliation of 2 youths in Odisha’s Dharakote triggers nationwide condemnation

A horrifying incident from Dharakote in Ganjam district, Odisha , has triggered nationwide condemnation, raising serious questions about the erosion of humanity, the misuse of mob justice, and the rise of Taliban-style punishments in parts of rural India.

The incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows two men being publicly humiliated and tortured on mere suspicion of cattle smuggling. 

According to initial reports, the victims were partially tonsured, tied with ropes, paraded through the village on knees for two kilometers, and even forced to drink dirty drain water—acts that have drawn comparisons to barbaric medieval punishments.

The victims, hailing from Haripur village, were reportedly transporting three cows to Singipur for a wedding as dowry when they were stopped by a group near Kharigumma. 

The mob accused them of illegal cow smuggling and allegedly demanded money in exchange for letting them go. When the victims refused to pay, they were beaten up, dragged to a nearby salon, had half their heads shaved, and were then publicly paraded on their knees for about two kilometers through the village streets.

The brutality didn’t end there. In an act of utter dehumanization, the victims were allegedly forced to drink wastewater from a nearby drain, in full view of villagers while some filmed the incident on mobile phones.

The entire nation is now reacting with shock and anger, with human rights activists, civil society members, and citizens questioning the growing lawlessness and moral breakdown of society. 

“This is not justice, this is torture. This incident is nothing short of Taliban-style punishment, completely against constitutional and human rights,” said a social activist.

Another social activist said, “Such an incident is inhuman. People in society still think that they are above the law and go to such an extent to punish people. In the name of cow protection, such barbaric acts are being conducted. Only nine persons are not involved; there are others.”

“We condemn such an incident. We are hearing that nine people have been detained. No civil society or person has the right to punish anyone. It is a complete case of human rights violation,” said another local resident.

Several legal experts have also pointed out that even if cow trafficking was suspected, law enforcement, not mobs, must handle such matters. The action taken by the mob amounts to serious criminal offences, including unlawful confinement, assault, public humiliation, and torture.

While police have initiated an investigation, there is growing pressure on the administration to ensure swift arrests and prevent such vigilante acts in the name of moral or religious policing. The Ganjam district administration has remained tight-lipped, but sources suggest action is being taken based on the videos and complaints filed.

This incident serves as a grim reminder that mob justice has no place in a democratic society, and the state must act decisively to restore public faith in the rule of law and human dignity.