Incident Update | Kotamateru, Malkangiri, Odisha– June 21–24, 2025
AC Michael
Incident Update | Kotamateru, Malkangiri, Odisha– June 21–24, 2025
On the morning of June 21, 2025, a violent and targeted attack was carried out against the Christian community in Kotamateru village, under Matapaka Gram Panchayat in Malkangiri district, Odisha. Approximately 300–400 individuals from neighbouring villages launched a coordinated assault, injuring over 30 people and at least 20 of whom sustained grievous injuries.
According to local sources, tensions in the region had been escalating for several days prior to the incident, with Christian believers and leaders receiving repeated threats. On the day of the attack, the believers had gathered to pray over the seeds they were preparing to sow, seeking God’s blessing for a fruitful harvest and the season ahead. It was during this peaceful gathering that the mob attacked them without provocation.
Due to the village’s remote location and lack of reliable connectivity, word of the attack was slow to reach authorities. One resident managed to contact a pastor from outside the village, who immediately informed the Malkangiri Police Station. Police arrived shortly afterward. Those with serious injuries were admitted to the District Hospital, while others sought refuge in a nearby church building, which is now serving as a temporary shelter.
Action taken:
· June 23: The Malkangiri Pastors Fellowship submitted a memorandum to the Superintendent of Police demanding immediate legal action and holding the police and administration accountable for not being able to maintain law and order. An FIR was filed against the attackers under relevant sections concerning hurt and unlawful confinement although graver sections can be introduced.
· As of June 25, no arrests have been made. The victims remain vulnerable, and there is no visible deployment of additional security in the area.
Recommendations for Advocacy:
1. Demand the immediate arrest of identified perpetrators, particularly those named in the FIR or identified through witness testimony.
2. Insist on the application of appropriate legal provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including:
a. Section 109 – Attempt to commit murder, considering the grievous injuries sustained by over 20 individuals.
b. Section 299 and 300 – Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and disturbing a religious assembly
3. Call for disciplinary action or suspension of local police officials who failed in their duty to prevent the violence, especially if prior threats had been reported but no action was taken.
4. Call for the establishment of permanent police presence in Kotamateru and nearby vulnerable villages to prevent further attacks. Clarify:
a. Whether any police booth or outpost has been set up since the incident.
b. If not, why adequate security arrangements were not made post-violence despite the scale of the attack and prior threats
5. Demand urgent compensation, relief, and rehabilitation for victims under the Odisha Victim Compensation Scheme and other relevant state relief frameworks.
Media links:
https://x.com/cdc1420aa2b24c3/status/1936439276063133780?s=46
Malkangiri Pastors Fellowship submitting the Memorandum
ABOUT UCF TOLL-FREE HELPLINE NUMBER
UCF toll-free helpline number: 1-800-208-4545 was launched on 19th January 2015 with the aim of upholding fundamental freedom and promotion of values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity of India.
The helpline helps people in distress, especially those who are not aware of the law of the land and the system by guiding them how to reach out to the public authorities and by providing the way to legal remedies.
