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Odisha Police Arrest 72 After Bengal Poll Observers Beaten in Border Village

Police attribute the assault to a child‑abductor rumor following a transport mix‑up.

Overview

  • Two bank employees deputed as micro‑observers for West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision entered Rajnagar in Odisha by mistake while traveling to Nayagram.
  • Villagers, influenced by a circulating rumor about child lifters, detained and assaulted the officials, and also obstructed and manhandled responding police.
  • Senior police and administrative officers rushed to the area as additional forces were deployed to restore order, according to Balasore police.
  • Two cases were registered, more than 100 people were questioned, and 72 suspects—including 23 women—were arrested after verification of video footage.
  • The injured officials were treated at Raibania hospital and discharged the same day, and police say searches continue to identify any remaining participants.