Mob mistakes couple for child kidnappers, assaults them; 16 arrested

Two young development workers, on a fellowship field visit in Odisha’s Rayagada district, were brutally attacked by a mob who mistook them for child kidnappers. Despite showing identity cards and explaining their purpose, the duo was chased, assaulted, and the woman was half-stripped. Police have arrested 16 individuals and are searching for more accused, registering four cases related to the terrifying ordeal.