Priests Assaulted and Robbed by Armed Gang in Odisha

Sambalpur, Odisha, 23 May 2025 - In a shocking incident in the early hours of the morning, two elderly priests were assaulted and robbed by a gang of eight to nine unidentified men at Carmel Niketan, Charbati. The attack occurred around 2:00 am when Fr. Linus OCD, a senior priest and Fr. Silvin OCD, the superior of the house, were alerted by the persistent barking of dogs.

Upon investigating, they found the main gate and door ajar and noticed several people hiding near a shed. The gang, armed with sticks and wearing shawls to hide their identities, forcibly entered the premises. They demanded money and violently assaulted the priests, tying their hands behind their backs and putting clothes in their mouth, to prevent them from calling for help.

The intruders scattered the rooms, stealing valuables and mobile phones before locking the priests inside. Despite his injuries, Fr. Silvin managed to free himself after nearly two hours of painstaking effort. With no means of communication, the priests eventually signalled for help by flashing a torch through a window. A passer-by noticed the light and alerted authorities using their phone.

According to Fr. Bose OCD, the attackers were aware that the formation students were away on holiday, implying prior knowledge of the house’s occupancy. The priests have since been taken to hospital for medical examination, and a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed with the police.

By Catholic Connect Reporter