Four Arrested for Publicly Humiliating Couple Over Suspected Illicit Relationship in Keonjhar

Keonjhar: In a shocking incident from Odisha’s Keonjhar district, at least four persons, including two women, were arrested for allegedly harassing and assaulting a couple over a suspected case of adultery in the Haradihi area. The arrests came after a video of the incident went viral on social media, sparking outrage across the region.

According to reports, Sisir Sankhuala, a youth from Sadangi village in Anandpur, had gone to drink handia (rice beer) at a nearby house where a woman was selling the local liquor. Upon seeing them together, some locals allegedly suspected an illicit relationship between the two.

The mob reportedly locked Sisir and the woman inside the house and informed the woman’s husband. The situation quickly escalated as the group assaulted the duo, threw chilli powder on them, and forced them to parade with a garland of shoes in full public view. Several onlookers recorded the disturbing act and circulated the video on social media platforms.

Following the humiliation, the woman filed a complaint with the police, prompting an immediate investigation. Acting on the viral video and eyewitness accounts, police arrested four accused individuals in connection with the incident.

“I went to drink handia after finishing my farmwork around 1 PM. The woman was busy and asked me to wait. I was sitting on the verandah when some youths came, accused us of misconduct, locked us in, and beat us. They even smeared chilli powder on our faces,” Sisir told mediapersons while recounting the ordeal.

Police sources confirmed that all arrested individuals have been produced before the court. Authorities have condemned the act as a form of mob justice, stressing that such “kangaroo court” behavior will not be tolerated.