Dr. Randall Siqueira is a physician and community health worker who has worked among tribal communities in the Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist and is associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad.
Odisha. The arrest of social activist Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak is gaining momentum. Police detained them from Dr. Randall Siqueira’s Bhawanipatna home at around 10:45 pm on October 16th. After being detained overnight, they were taken to Rayagada, where they were produced before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) at around 6:30 pm and then sent to the Rayagada sub-jail.
Following their arrest, social organizations have launched a protest. An organization called Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan has raised questions about the arrests. According to a press release issued by the organization, the arrests of the two are related to case number 85/2026 registered at the Kashipur police station in Rayagada district. This case relates to an incident that occurred in Kantamal village on the night of April 6th and 7th, 2026. During that incident, there were reports of lathicharge and use of tear gas against villagers. Villagers and police officers were also reported injured in the incident.
The campaign claimed that the names of Dr. Randall and Laxman Nayak were not mentioned in the FIR. The organization also raised questions about the seizure of their mobile phones and the legal procedures followed during their detention. Demanding an impartial investigation into these aspects, the Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan stated that the detention process should be in accordance with the law, and that the families and lawyers should be provided with timely information.
Social activist and founder of Tribal Army, Hansraj Meena, also raised questions. According to him, the arrest of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Dalit activist Laxman Nayak, who served tribal communities in Odisha, is extremely worrying. The same doctor who has been treating tribal children for years is now in jail for raising his voice for tribal rights to water, forest, and land. Why is the government criminalizing those who protect tribal land and forests? Have the interests of mining companies become greater than the constitutional rights of tribals? Meena demanded the immediate release of Dr. Randall Siqueira and Laxman Nayak, a fair investigation, and the protection of tribal rights.
Dr. Randall Siqueira is a physician and community health worker who has worked among tribal communities in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha. Laxman Nayak is a Dalit activist and is associated with the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch and the Samajwadi Jan Parishad. Both have been active in protests against mining projects and in struggles related to the rights of local communities.
Siddhartha Gautam
Courtesy: Hindi News