Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has taken serious note of allegations of police excesses and false cases filed against tribal villagers in Nayagarh district. Acting on a petition by rights activist Himanshu Sekhar Nayak, the Commission has directed the Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP), Nayagarh, to submit separate factual reports by November 18, 2025.

According to the petition, on May 5, 2025, as many as 30 members of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community were allegedly arrested by Chandpur Police after they opposed attempts by land mafias to encroach on government land and illegally excavate minor minerals in Kusupalla Mouza. The activist further alleged that an influential individual from Bhubaneswar’s Patia area, who owns land in the region, has been illegally encroaching on hundreds of acres belonging to tribals and the government.

Nayak also highlighted a violent incident on May 3, 2025, when associates of the alleged land mafia reportedly attacked tribals with deadly weapons after they resisted encroachment. Shockingly, when the villagers sought police help, they were allegedly booked in false cases instead of receiving protection.

Demanding justice, Nayak urged the OHRC for a judicial probe, accountability of police officials, and financial compensation to the victimized tribals.

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