Bajrang Dal goons attacked a bike rally which was taken out on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti at about 3 pm on 14 April 2022 at Godbhaga Area in Bargarh District. Followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar's ideology had organized the bike rally under the banner of the Ambedkarvadi Yuva Sangh from Attabira to Godbhaga. One of the victim youths, Sanjay Kumar, said that one day prior to the rally the police had said that the Ambedkar Jayanti rally would take place first, followed by the Bajrang Dal rally, and the police would help so that everything went smoothly. But when the rally reached Godbhaga from Attabira, Bajrang Dal goons attacked them, broke about 10 vehicles, tore up banners and urinated on them and attacked the Ambedkarites with knives and broken glass bottles, injuring 4 persons. All this took place in the presence of the police. The police was present on the spot but took no action. Rally organizer Bablu Besra said that one day prior to the rally Bajrang Dal goons had torn down rally posters, so the Ambedkarites knew this violence could happen and had already informed the police but the police did not help.
After the violence the police brought both groups to the Thana for talks and gave the assurance that action would be taken against the guilty persons and all damages would be compensated. But so far no one has been arrested. On the contrary, Bajrang Dal goons have again repeated the violence by entering the home of an Ambedkarite in Godbhaga and beating up people. When contacted, the Dy SP cut the phone and did not answer further calls. This incident has filled Ambedkarites in Bargarh District and across Odisha with considerable anger.
CPIML Odisha state unit has condemned the incident demanding from the police to take immediate cognizance of the matter and take strict action against the guilty Bajrang Dal goons, and proper compensation should be paid to the victims.
- Madhushudan, CPIML Odisha
