Overview
- Local Santhal villagers say that on October 23, 2026 a group forced entry into their sacred grove, the Jaher Than, damaged ritual items and threatened or assaulted worshippers including women, elderly people and youths.
- The Biju Janata Dal sent a delegation led by Sudam Marandi to Basantpur to record testimonies and said a complaint was lodged but that police had not acted before the party visited.
- Odisha police have arrested five people named by authorities in connection with the incident, and an investigation is reported to be under way.
- The ruling BJP and the Bajrang Dal have not issued public responses in the reporting to date, while the BJD is demanding an impartial inquiry and legal action against those responsible.
- The episode has heightened concern about protection of tribal religious freedom and cultural rights in Kendujhar, the chief minister’s home district, and could raise tensions over law enforcement and political accountability.