Two Catholic Brothers Brutally Assaulted by Gau Rakshaks in Odisha’s Sundargarh District

SUNDARGARH, Odisha, Aug 25, 2025 —Two Catholic tribal men were brutally beaten by a mob of suspected cow vigilantes in Odisha’s Sundargarh district on August 19, after being falsely accused of smuggling cattle while transporting their own livestock to a buyer. The victims, identified as Johan Soren (66) and his brother Philip Soren (55) from Telenadihi village, were assaulted by a group of 15–16 men near Malipada Road, leaving both critically injured.

According to reports, the brothers had sold their bulls and calves to a cattle trader from the neighbouring Kodomal village for ₹40,000 to meet urgent financial needs, including medical treatment for Johan’s wife. On August 19, while they were transporting the animals on foot to the trader, two local youths, Pintu Luhura and Montu Luhura, stopped them near Telenadihi Baragachh Square and questioned, “Where are you taking these bulls, and why?” 

The brothers explained that they had sold the animals. The youths then left without incident.

However, a short while later, near Malipada Road, the same two youths returned with a larger group of about 15–16 men, including Pritam Luhura, Akash Bariha, and Asmita Chhatriya. Accusing the brothers of cow smuggling, the mob launched a brutal assault, mercilessly beating them with sticks and kicking them until both were left bleeding and barely conscious.

The injured men managed to return home and later filed a complaint at the Lephripada police station. However, the police allegedly refused to register an FIR at first, questioning the victims about receipts for the sale of their cattle and citing an existing cow-smuggling complaint lodged against them by the attackers. “The police used unnecessary tactics to delay the registration of the FIR,” said Advocate Ashok Minj, a lawyer practising at the Sundargarh District Court, while speaking to Catholic Connect.

On August 22, the victims went to the office of the Superintendent of Police of Sundargarh district to complain about the police’s refusal to register their case. However, the SP was on leave. The SP’s office informed the Lepripara police station, and upon learning that the victims planned to escalate the matter, the Lephripada police station in-charge Inspector Ashok Kumar Dash persuaded them to return to the station and finally registered the FIR on August 23. The attackers were booked under Sections 115(2), 117(2), 351(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023—provisions widely criticised as weak for such a violent attack.

Despite the FIR, no arrests have been made so far. Church groups and community members have submitted video evidence to the SP’s office, demanding the addition of stronger charges and immediate arrests. “If pressure is not built, these incidents will continue,” Adv. Minj warned.

Both victims remain hospitalised with serious injuries. Johan has multiple fractured ribs, while Philip has a broken hand. Court proceedings in the case have yet to begin. Tribal leaders have issued a stern warning of large-scale agitation if the perpetrators who assaulted the tribals are not swiftly arrested.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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