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Despite police intervention, the mob did not immediately stop. Naik was eventually rescued and taken to the police station.
A social activist told Maktoob that Naik was made to sit at the police station for nearly an hour without any medical assistance.
“By the time I reached there, he was sitting there numbly. He was barefoot, and his face still had sindoor on it. He was in a horrible condition,” the activist said.
The incident occurred after the mob alleged that Naik was conducting forceful religious conversions, an accusation commonly raised in similar attacks.
The activist further alleged that the police attempted to dilute the matter and initially refused to register a complaint, citing counter-allegations of conversion made by the village sarpanch.
Although a complaint was eventually filed after repeated insistence, Vandana said a counter FIR was also registered against them, accusing them of forceful conversion.
Parjang village, where the prayer meeting was held, is a Hindu-majority village with only seven Christian families. The pastor, who regularly travels for prayers, said he had never witnessed anything like this before.
“We are both deeply traumatised. Naik has not been able to sleep since the incident. He has been taking medicines and is feeling a little better now. He has also recovered from his injuries,” Vandana said.
The mob also threatened Naik, warning that they would burn his family and their house, which is located a few kilometres away from the village.
Despite the violence, Vandana said her husband did not give in. “I am so proud of him. He did not chant Jai Sree Ram, no matter how much they beat him,” she added.
The family is currently staying in a safe house along with other community members. The seven Christian families from Parjang village are in hiding after villagers and Bajrang Dal members threatened to burn down their homes.
“We spoke to them, and they are currently staying with relatives in different places. They have no support. The villagers have boycotted them and are threatening them,” Vandana said.
Odisha has witnessed a series of attacks against the Christian community in recent times, raising serious concerns among religious groups and civil society members.