72 arrested in Odisha’s Balasore for 'assault' on SIR officials from West Bengal

Police have arrested 72 persons in connection with the alleged assault on two SIR officials from West Bengal, who were reportedly attacked by locals on suspicion of being child kidnappers in Odisha’s Balasore district.

According to sources, the incident took place on Wednesday at Raibania in Balasore. The two officials had reportedly entered the area by mistake while travelling towards Nayagram in neighbouring West Bengal.

Reports indicate that some local residents grew suspicious of their presence and accused them of being child lifters. The officials were allegedly manhandled and confined by a mob.

When police personnel arrived at the scene to rescue the two men, they reportedly faced resistance from members of the crowd, including scuffles and heated arguments.

Police have registered two separate cases in connection with the incident. Officials confirmed that a total of 72 persons have been arrested and forwarded to court.

Reacting to the incident, Balasore Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Niranjan Behera appealed to the public not to believe or act on rumours related to child abduction. He urged citizens to immediately inform the local police if they suspect any individual, rather than taking the law into their own hands.

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The police also advised residents to dial the emergency helpline number 112 in case of suspicion. Authorities reiterated that spreading or acting upon unverified rumours can attract serious legal consequences.

“We have registered two separate cases. Around 72 people have been apprehended and will be forwarded to court,” Behera said.