Balasore: Police arrested a fourth suspect on Tuesday in connection with the assault of two women who were allegedly carrying out religious conversions in Chhankhanpur, Balasore district.
Three accused were taken into custody on Saturday. The accused have been identified as Pitambar Biswal (48) and Prasanta Kumar Nayak (42) from Kharidmukhura village, Jayanta Kumar Nayak (45) from Chhankhanpur village, and Badal Kumar Panda (37) from Kulhapala village.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on Thursday when the two women were dragged out from their homes, tied to a tree and publicly assaulted for allegedly attempting to convert tribal families in Chhankhanpur.A purported video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
“We have collected evidence with the assistance of a forensic team,” said Satyajit Naik, DIG (eastern range). “The district police have taken immediate measures to maintain law and order in the area, and relevant materials, including digital evidence, have been seized.”
The victims have undergone medical examination, and statements from the complainant and witnesses have been recorded under Section 180 of BNSS. A case and a counter-case have been filed at Remuna police station.