- 21 January, 2026
Dhenkanal, Odisha, Jan 21, 2026: More than two weeks after the brutal public assault of Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik— by members of a right-wing group—no arrests have been made, deepening concerns over police inaction, delayed justice, and growing fear among the Christian community.
Despite the trauma he endured, Pastor Naik has chosen forgiveness, invoking faith and peace on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Australian missionary Graham Staines. In a conversation today with the Catholic Connect, the pastor said he had forgiven those who attacked and humiliated him, as well as those who falsely accused him.
“On the anniversary of the martyrdom of Graham Staines, I choose forgiveness. I forgive those who assaulted me and those who falsely accused me. Our God forgives us unconditionally, and He teaches us to forgive. In that spirit, I forgive them and place everything in God’s hands,” he said.
The pastor added that his only appeal to the authorities was for the freedom to live peacefully and practice his faith without fear. “I have only one humble request: that my family, I, and all the Christian faithful be allowed to live in peace and freely strengthen our faith in the God we have chosen to follow. This is what I clearly conveyed to the Superintendent of Police when I met him in his office at Dhenkanal on 13 January.”
Expressing gratitude to those who stood by him, Pastor Naik acknowledged the prayers and solidarity he received during what he described as one of the darkest moments of his life. “I take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by me during this painful time. Your love, prayers, solidarity, and support have given me strength and hope.”
Brother Speaks Out: “Justice Has Still Not Been Delivered”
Adding to the pastor’s stand, his elder brother, Udaya Naik, shared a deeply emotional account of the family’s struggle since the incident with the Catholic Connect.
“It has been more than fifteen days since the brutal incident against my younger brother. Until today, justice has not been delivered. Instead, our family lives in deep pain, constant disturbance, and a complete loss of peace,” he said.
According to Udaya Naik, when the local police failed to act, the family mobilised support from the Christian faithful and personally approached senior authorities.
“When no action was taken by the local police, I gathered around forty-five faithful members and went to the office of the Superintendent of Police to submit a complaint. We spent nearly eight to ten thousand rupees hiring a vehicle to reach there, hoping our voices would be heard.”
However, he said the effort brought no results. “Even after this, no concrete action has been taken. This prolonged inaction has deeply shaken my faith in the Constitution and the justice system—especially for innocent people like us.”
Allegations of Police Negligence
Udaya Naik strongly alleged that the assault appeared to be premeditated and could have been prevented had the police responded promptly. “I firmly believe this incident was well planned. Had it not been so, my brother could have been rescued immediately.”
He stated that while the assault was ongoing, family members contacted the police helpline and the pastor’s wife rushed to the police station. “Instead of reaching the spot to save him, the police demanded an FIR and proof while the violence was still continuing,” he said.
During the attack, Pastor Naik was allegedly paraded through the streets, assaulted, and publicly humiliated. “He was dragged through public roads in slippers, beaten and shamed. Are there no CCTV cameras on those streets?” his brother asked.
Despite submitting photographs showing the pastor being paraded, the family claims the evidence was dismissed as insufficient. “We were repeatedly asked for medical proof. Such negligence and insensitivity from the police administration have only deepened our pain.”
Support Received, But Justice Still Elusive
Udaya Naik said that people from across Odisha and even from Delhi had reached out to the family, expressing concern and solidarity. “Many concerned citizens, church leaders, and well-wishers have called us, offering sympathy and support. Yet, despite all this, justice has remained out of reach.”
Initially, the family pursued the case not only for Pastor Naik, but to ensure that similar attacks would not be repeated against others. “We sought justice so that such injustice would not continue against our community. But the struggle has left us exhausted and disheartened.”
Choosing Forgiveness Over Despair
Drawing inspiration from the widow of martyr Graham Staines, the family has now decided to step back from further confrontation. “Like the wife of the late Graham Staines, we now choose the path of forgiveness,” Udaya Naik said. “I sincerely pray that those who assaulted and humiliated my brother will one day be transformed, turn away from wrongdoing, and come to know the true God.”
While the family has chosen peace, they maintain that accountability must still come through lawful means. “We leave everything in the hands of God, who judges each person according to their deeds. If the police administration initiates an inquiry on its own and punishes the perpetrators, we would welcome it wholeheartedly.”
However, he admitted that the family no longer has the strength to continue pursuing justice through repeated appeals. “We have decided to live peacefully, without disturbing anyone further. This entire episode is a deeply sad and painful reflection on the present state of our country and its people.”
By Sujata Jena
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