21.01.2026 18:52
The claim that Christian priest Bipin Bihari Naik, serving in the Indian state of Odisha, was attacked by a group alleged to have extreme nationalist Hindutva ideology has caused an uproar in the country. It was reported that the priest was attempted to be fed cow dung during the attack.
In the Indian state of Odisha, allegations have emerged that Christian priest Bipin Bihari Naik was attacked by a group and was forced to eat cow dung. The incident has reignited discussions about the tensions between religious minorities and ultra-nationalist Hindutva groups.
RAID ON PRAYER MEETING: A 40-PERSON GROUP ENTERED
Maktoob Media and local news report that the attack occurred on January 4, 2026, in the village of Parjang in the Dhenkanal district. Naik was praying in a house with his family and several Christian families. Allegedly, a group of about 40 people gathered in front of the house and then entered, attacking those present at the meeting.
THEY BEAT HIM BRUTALLY, TRIED TO FORCE HIM TO EAT COW DUNG
According to Naik's wife Vandana; the attackers beat those in the house, dragged the priest outside, and assaulted him with sticks. Red paint was smeared on the priest's face, a wreath made of slippers was placed around his neck, and he was paraded around the village for hours. It was later claimed that Naik's hands were tied, and he was bound to a temple where he was forced to eat cow dung.
It was reported that the attackers not only physically tortured Naik but also tried to force him to chant slogans associated with Hindutva, such as "Jai Shri Ram." This slogan is a religious-national expression commonly used in nationalist circles in India.
POLICE ALLEGEDLY ARRIVED 2 HOURS LATER
Vandana claimed that she called for police assistance, but the authorities arrived at the scene approximately two hours later. After Naik was rescued, he was taken to the police station, but it is reported that he did not receive the necessary medical assistance initially and that no serious arrests related to the incident have been made yet.
FORCED RELIGION CONVERSION ALLEGATIONS
Local reports suggest that the group accused the priest and Christians of "forced conversion," which was claimed to be the trigger for the attack.
In response, it was reported that Naik and his family filed a complaint with the police, but in addition to the investigation opened against the attackers, a counter-accusation was also recorded against the priest.
This incident occurred during a time when allegations of attacks on religious minorities in India have been increasing. Christian and other religious groups express their concerns, stating that they have faced similar incidents in recent years.