Two tribal rights activists, Dr. Randall Sequeira and Laxman Naik, were arrested in connection with a clash in Rayagada district of Odisha six months ago, prompting a civil society organisation to condemn the police action and allege it was aimed at foiling protests against injustice.
The police on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) rejected the allegation, claiming the two had instigated tribals to attack security personnel in Kantamal village during a protest against mining activities in the area in April 2026.
On the night of October 16, 2026, the police arrested Dr. Sequeira and Mr. Naik from their residences in Kalahandi district, a senior officer said. Both have been charged with serious criminal offences, including attempt to murder and rioting, and were also booked under the Arms Act, he said.
The civil society group, Concerned Citizens Committee, Odisha, condemned the arrests and alleged the two were taken into custody with the “sole intention to foil the tribals’ fight against injustice and for their rights over natural resources like ‘Jal, Jangal and Jameen’” (water, forest and land).
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