Congress seeks action against perpetrators of ‘barbaric’ attack on Odisha pastor

K.C. Venugopal, Congress general secretary, expressed deep shock over the alleged assault on Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik and members of a Christian community in Odisha's Dhenkanal district. He wrote to Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, demanding immediate action against those responsible for the January 4 incident where a mob reportedly consisting of Bajrang Dal activists surrounded the pastor's home and assaulted him and his family. The Congress leader described the attack as "public lynching" and "forced religious coercion," urging the government to intervene and ensure the arrest and prosecution of all involved, a time-bound independent probe, and protection for those affected.