More than two weeks after Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik was brutally assaulted and publicly humiliated by members of a right-wing group in Odisha, no arrests have been made, prompting deep concern over police inaction and delayed justice for the Christian community.
Despite the trauma he endured, Pastor Naik has publicly chosen forgiveness in a powerful testimony of faith, invoking the anniversary of Australian missionary Graham Staines’ martyrdom. He said that God forgives unconditionally, extending forgiveness to both his attackers and those who made false allegations against him, and placing the entire matter in God’s hands.
Pastor Naik appealed to authorities for the freedom to live peacefully and practice his faith without fear, a request he reiterated in a meeting with the Superintendent of Police in Dhenkanal on January 13. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, solidarity, and support from fellow believers during what he described as one of the darkest times of his life.
His elder brother, Udaya Naik, voiced the family’s distress over the continued absence of justice, detailing how they personally approached senior officials after local police failed to act and how the prolonged inaction has shaken their faith in the justice system.
The family says they now choose peace and forgiveness over confrontation while hoping that authorities will eventually hold the perpetrators accountable under law.