Arrests of Laxman Naik and Dr Randall Sequeira in Kalahandi spark outrage across Odisha

The arrest of leading anti-mining activist Laxman Naik and well-known physician Dr Randall Sequeira in Kalahandi district has drawn widespread criticism in Odisha.

People from different walks of life have demanded their immediate release.

Both were picked up by police from Sequeira’s residence at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi around 10.45 pm on October 16 without a warrant or explanation and detained overnight at the Bhawanipatna Town police station, activists claimed.

The Concerned Citizens Committee, Odisha, alleged that the two arrests reflected repression against Adivasi and Dalit communities opposing mining activities in south Odisha. The Medico Friend Circle (MFC) in Delhi also condemned the arrest of Naik and Dr Randall.

The MFC is nationwide group of “socially conscious, secular, pluralist”, pro-people, pro-poor health practitioners, scientists, and social activists.

State convenor of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) Narendra Mohanty said: “Naik is associated with the Ma Mati Mali Surakhya Manch, which works for the cause of Adivasis and protection of the minerals in tribal-dominated Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, and Samajwadi Jan Parishad, while Sequeira, a physician, has worked with Adivasis and public health organisations for the last 10 years.”

Mohanty said the arrests were linked to clashes in Kantamal village on the night of April 6 and 7. That night, a large police contingent entered the village and indiscriminate lathi charges and tear gas firing injured many residents.

Leading environmentalist Prafulla Samantara said: “What is surprising is that cases of attempted murder, rioting and dacoity were framed against them. Both activists have been sent to Rayagada sub-jail.”