The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has strongly condemned the brutal assault and public humiliation of a Christian pastor in Odisha, east India, describing the incident as a grave violation of human dignity and religious freedom.
In a statement released on January 22, the CBCI expressed deep distress over the alleged violence inflicted on Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik in Parjang village on January 4. According to media reports, the pastor was attacked by a mob, publicly humiliated, and forced to consume cow dung—acts the bishops’ body said amounted to extreme cruelty and dehumanisation.
“Forcing a person to eat cow dung is a heinous act of violence and humiliation, striking at the core of an individual’s dignity and faith,” the CBCI said, calling the incident deeply disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic and pluralistic society.
The bishops’ conference demanded immediate and decisive action against those responsible and urged authorities to ensure justice for the victim. Stressing the need for accountability, the CBCI warned that such acts of violence must not be allowed to continue with impunity, as they create fear and insecurity among minority communities.
“The CBCI stands in solidarity with the victim,” the statement said, while appealing to civil authorities to guarantee the safety and protection of all citizens, regardless of religious belief.
The conference also called on citizens to reject violence in all its forms and to work actively for peace and harmony. Emphasising India’s long-standing tradition of coexistence, the CBCI said communal harmony can only be preserved through mutual respect, dialogue, and the rule of law.
The statement was issued by Fr. Robinson Rodrigues, spokesperson of the CBCI, who reiterated the Church’s commitment to non-violence and justice. He noted that attacks motivated by religious identity undermine the constitutional values of equality and freedom of conscience.
Bipra Charan Nayak, former president of the Kandhamal Survival Association and a human rights activist, also condemned the incident.
“Forcing a Christian—or anyone—to consume cow dung is a brutal violation of human dignity and religious freedom. No belief system gives the right to humiliate, torture, or dehumanise another human being. This is not culture or faith; it is abuse, and it must be condemned unequivocally. Those responsible must be held legally accountable,” he said.
He added that such acts may constitute cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, and could amount to torture under international human rights law.
“These actions violate the inherent dignity of the human person and breach obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), including the rights to bodily integrity, freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and freedom from discrimination. No cultural, religious, or social justification can excuse practices that dehumanise or abuse individuals. States have a duty to prevent such violations, ensure accountability, and provide effective remedies to victims,” Nayak said.
