No Action Yet Against Perpetrators of Attack on Christians in Odisha's Kotamateru Village

Malkangiri, Odisha, June 26, 2025: No concrete action has been taken yet against the group of Hindu activists who attacked members of the Christian community in Kotamateru, a village in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, on the morning of June 21, 2025. Around 20 Christians were injured in the attack. Seven Christians who sustained severe injuries were admitted to a government-run hospital in Malkangiri.

A human rights activist, who spoke to Catholic Connect on condition of anonymity, confirmed that approximately 400 Hindu right-wing activists from neighbouring villages carried out the attack. 

"The assailants accused the Christians of engaging in forced religious conversions," the activist stated. "At the time of the incident, the victims had gathered peacefully to pray over seeds for the upcoming farming season when the mob stormed the village and assaulted them with iron rods and other weapons," he added.

Although the police arrived at the scene after the incident and later filed an FIR, no further legal action or arrests have followed. Victims with severe injuries were admitted to the Malkangiri District Hospital, while others took refuge in a nearby church. The activist visited the victims of the attack at the hospital on 24 June.

"Victims at the hospital said that they are not returning to their homes because they fear further violence," he said. “They are strong in their faith but terrified for their future. Despite the persecution, they remain steadfast in their belief in Jesus Christ. However, they are concerned about where they will live now and how they will protect their families,” he added.

On June 24, a delegation of civil society representatives, Christian leaders, and human rights advocates met with the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Malkangiri district. During the meeting, the SP informed the delegation that the police plan to organise a peace meeting between members of the Christian community and those responsible for the recent attack.

“But we asked—what is the need for a peace meeting when only one side was attacked?” the human rights activist said. "The police must arrest the attackers under relevant sections like CrPC 151, IPC 452, BNS 333 and 170 BNSS. That’s the first step toward restoring peace. Without arrests, true peace cannot be achieved."

In response, the SP said the police would first review the victims’ medical reports before making any arrests.

On June 25, the same delegation met with the Inspector General of Odisha Police, who assured them that he would look into the matter and take necessary action. The delegation had also urged the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Inspector General (IG) to visit the victims in the hospital and expedite the arrest process. 

District authorities have not yet established any police outposts in Kotamateru village to protect the local Christian community, nor have they announced any compensation for the victims of the attack. Social workers from the region are now preparing to file relief applications for the victims under the Odisha Victim Compensation Scheme.

By Catholic Connect Reporter