Odisha: Belabahali Villagers living in Fear since July 7

The Odisha Government has completely failed to live up the expectations of the people in Belabahali near Anandpur in Keonjhar, who had voted for it in large numbers. The police atrocities on the villagers, including women, have completely stunned the locals, who are still living in fear and agony.

The police backed by the local administration, had launched a massive crackdown on the villagers, who were seeking the realignment of a bridge over Kusei river. They were lathicharged and dragged to the police station during their protest at National Highway 215. The locals clashed with the police, resulting in injuries to people from both sides.

As per the reports, over 114 people have been arrested by the police so far. Many men and women are still missing and there are no reports on their whereabouts. The BJP delegation, which visited the area, has alleged that power supply is being snapped in the village from 7 PM to 7 AM to intimidate the villagers. A Congress delegation had earlier visited the area.

The BJP has moved the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), seeking justice for the villagers. The memorandum alleged that over 10 women who have been jailed have infants of less than 12 months.