Odisha: Rights groups, Opposition slam arrest of doctor, Dalit activist after anti-mining protests

What happened: Rights groups and the Opposition condemned the arrests of doctor Randall Sequeira and Dalit activist Laxman Naik in Odisha, alleging police action is part of a crackdown on Adivasi and Dalit communities opposing mining projects. Key numbers: Arrested on the night of October 16 in Bhawanipatna town, Why it matters: Critics say neither activist was named in the first information reports on the April clash. Jan Swasthya Abhiyan demanded their immediate release, withdrawal of all cases, and an independent inquiry into what it called intimidation and arrests in the area.

Rights groups and Opposition condemn arrests tied to anti-mining protests in Odisha.

Rights groups and Opposition condemn arrests tied to anti-mining protests in Odisha. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.