Kendujhar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly condemned the alleged vandalism of a sacred place of worship of the Santhal tribal community at Basantpur village in Kendujhar district, the home district of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and expressed concern over the safety and security of indigenous communities in Odisha.
Acting on the direction of BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, a party delegation led by former minister and president of the BJD Tribal Cell, Sudam Marandi, visited Basantpur village under the Ghasipura Assembly constituency Tuesday to take stock of the situation.
According to allegations raised by the party, activists of the Bajrang Dal attacked the traditional Santhal place of worship, known as Jaher Than (Jahera), October 23, 2026. The alleged attackers vandalised the sacred site, damaged articles used in religious ceremonies, disrupted traditional rituals and threatened members of the tribal community, including women.
The incident has triggered concerns over the protection of the Santhal community’s religious freedom, age-old traditions, cultural identity and constitutional rights.
During their visit, the BJD leaders interacted with affected families, elderly residents, women and other members of the Santhal community to understand their grievances and gather first-hand accounts of the alleged incident.
The delegation also reviewed the prevailing situation in the village.
Expressing concern over the allegations, the delegation emphasised that the religious practices, cultural heritage and constitutional rights of tribal communities must be protected. It stressed that indigenous communities should be able to observe their traditional customs and religious rituals without fear, intimidation or interference.
The BJD delegation also underscored the need to ensure the safety, dignity and protection of tribal people, particularly in view of the allegations surrounding the incident at Basantpur.
The party reiterated that safeguarding the religious freedom and cultural identity of indigenous communities is essential to upholding their constitutional rights and preserving Odisha’s rich tribal heritage.