Parents of Arrested Doctor Demand Release in Odisha's Rayagada

The parents of Dr. Randall Sequeira, a 39-year-old doctor arrested by Odisha police over his reported support for residents resisting bauxite mining, travelled from Mumbai to Rayagada to demand his release.

According to reports, police personnel arrived at a rented house in Hilltown, Bhawanipatna, the headquarters of Kalahandi district, at approximately 11 p.m. on October 16. Dr. Sequeira and 31-year-old Dalit activist Laxman Naik were arrested at the location.

Arrest Details and FIR Link

The following day, police reportedly linked both men to a violent clash that occurred 192 days prior. Records indicate that neither Dr. Sequeira nor Mr. Naik were among the 26 villagers initially named in FIR No. 85/2026, registered at the Kashipur police station in neighbouring Rayagada district.

Authorities subsequently added the two men to the case, reportedly identifying them from a category of 100 unnamed individuals described as 'others' from Kantamal town in Rayagada's Kashipur, as mentioned in the original FIR.

Verification and Next Steps

• Verify Official Statements: Check updates from the Odisha police and local district authorities in Kalahandi and Rayagada.
• Legal Proceedings: Monitor court filings and legal counsel statements regarding the inclusion of unnamed individuals in the FIR.
• Official Contact: Consult relevant legal aid organizations or court registries for verified updates on the case status.