Sambalpur: Brutal Attack on Madrasa Teacher in Sambalpur; Assaulted with Wooden Stick Over Suspicion of Being Bangladeshi, Demands for Action Rise

Incident Near Laxmi Talkies

Sambalpur: Last night around 10 PM, an unexpected incident took place near Laxmi Talkies Chowk in Sambalpur. A 24-year-old teacher named Kari Mohammad Riyaz, who works at a madrasa in Khetipada area of Sambalpur, was attacked by two individuals. He had recently returned from a short leave and had reached Sambalpur from Rourkela to rejoin his duty.

Attack Triggered by Misunderstanding

After getting off the bus at Laxmi Talkies, two unknown men approached him and asked where he lived. Riyaz, who is not fluent in Odia and responded in Urdu, was suspected of being Bangladeshi due to his accent and language. As a result, the men allegedly hit him in the face with a wooden stick, injuring his eye.

Community Intervention and Police Complaint

Some members of the local Muslim community, who were nearby, witnessed the attack and immediately intervened. Soon after, a group of residents gathered at the Town Police Station around 11 PM to file a complaint and demand strict action against the attackers. One of the accused is reportedly a local bus owner.

Medical Assistance Provided

Due to the assault, Kari Mohammad Riyaz sustained injuries on multiple parts of his body. He received preliminary treatment at the district headquarters hospital. Police have registered a case and started investigating the matter.