Gudvela: Twenty-four people belonging to six Dalit families of Jammunda village in this block of Bolangir district have fled their homes and taken shelter with their relatives after the police failed to take action against some villagers who had assaulted them, a report said Wednesday.
The victims are Ashok Sagar, Deepak Sagar, Nakul Suna, Gopi Suna, Tuku Suna and Debaraj Suna.
They said Umesh Nag, Nepal Nag, Sumant Nag, Amar Nag and Karan Nag of their village had assaulted them due to past enmity. Three cases were filed against six persons at the Tusra police station in this connection.
However, the absence of police action emboldened the attackers, and fearing for their lives the Dalits fled the village. Now, the victims are wandering here and there.
A woman, Gomati Suna, said they have been staying at their relative’s house after fleeing their village as the police have not arrested the culprits. She said they do not feel safe to go back to their village.
The villagers are facing a harrowing time in the absence of shelters, and are worried about the livestock they have left behind.
When contacted, Tusra police station IIC, Paramananda Nayak, refused to speak about the issue.
Investigating Officer Yuvaraj Kumbhar rejected the charge that some Dalit families had fled the village. He said the culprits will be arrested soon.