CBI officers mobbed, heckled during online child abuse raid in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: A CBI raid in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, as part of their nationwide crackdown against persons involved in online child sexual abuse and exploitation, turned ugly with family members of an accused and his villagers allegedly assaulting and heckling the officers on Tuesday.
Tension ran high a few hours after the CBI raided the house of Jubuli Nayak in Dhenkanal town on charges of exploiting children sexually on social media. Claiming Nayak as innocent, his neighbours, including many women, all armed with sticks and wooden planks, mobbed and booed the CBI officers.
Caught unaware of the unpleasant and unprecedented situation, the CBI officers informed the local Dhenkanal Town police for assistance. The local police rushed to the spot and placated the aggrieved mob.
Dhenkanal superintendent of police K Siva Subramani confirmed the face-off between the irate locals and CBI team. “Immediately after receiving the SOS from the CBI, our personnel reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Some persons did not allow the CBI to discharge their duty. Situation is under control now,” Subramani, who is set to join the CBI on central deputation, told TOI. The state government last month notified Subramani’s appointment in the CBI on deputation.
Till filing of the report, no complaint was lodged by the CBI with the local police. “We have not received any complaint from the CBI officers so far,” Subramani said.