Controversy in Balasore: Women Allegedly Beaten Over Conversion Claims

The Odisha Police arrested three individuals for assaulting two women over alleged forced religious conversions in Balasore. Opposition BJD accused BJP of allowing the prime suspect to evade arrest due to political connections. The incident has stirred political tensions, with claims of bias and demands for justice.

In Odisha's Balasore district, police have arrested three individuals accused of assaulting two women amidst allegations of attempting religious conversions among tribal families. The arrests come after a disturbing video of the incident went viral.

Opposition BJD has raised accusations against the ruling BJP, claiming the main suspect evaded arrest due to political ties. They allege that members of the BJP protected the accused, Badal Panda, citing his connections with Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi and MLA Santosh Khatua.

While BJP MP Sarangi rebuffed these claims as politically charged, the arrests have highlighted political tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has condemned the incident, attributing such acts to the alleged bias under BJP-ruled states.