Daijiworld Media Network - Kalahandi
Kalahandi, Oct 25: The arrest of Dr Randall Sequeira, a physician renowned for his extensive work among the Adivasi communities in Odisha, alongside Dalit rights activist Laxman Naik, has sparked widespread concern among civil society groups and health professionals.
Originally from Mangaluru, Dr Sequeira grew up in Mumbai, where he completed his schooling. He subsequently completed his MBBS at St John's Medical College in Bengaluru and pursued an MD in internal medicine at Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospital in Rajasthan. In 2017, he moved to Kalahandi to work with NGOs operating in the tribal region, eventually working independently to treat remote tribal communities and understand their living conditions.
The duo was arrested on October 16 from Dr Sequeira’s residence in Bhawanipatna of Kalahandi district. The arrests are reportedly in connection with a clash that occurred in April between villagers and the police in Kantamal village of the neighbouring Rayagada district.
The police have booked Dr Sequeira and Naik under severe charges, including attempted murder, rioting, and offences under the Arms Act. Authorities allege that Dr Sequeira helped mobilise villagers against the state government and instigated an attack on security personnel.
The arrests have drawn strong criticism from various organisations, including the Concerned Citizens Committee, the Right to Food Campaign, and the Medico Friend Circle. These groups fear that the police action is an attempt to suppress the anti-mining movement and discourage activists working to protect the land, forests, and livelihoods of Adivasi and Dalit communities. The police, however, have denied these claims, maintaining that the arrests strictly followed an investigation into the April confrontation.
Dr Sequeira has dedicated years to serving Adivasi communities in Kalahandi and Rayagada, regions where healthcare access is severely hindered by poverty and geographical isolation. Associated with community health initiatives like DApRA and Swasthya Swaraj, his approach to healthcare encompasses advocating for nutritious food, clean water, and secure livelihoods, which naturally brought him into the fold of debates over mining and indigenous rights.
The ongoing tensions stem from strong opposition by sections of Adivasi communities against proposed bauxite mining projects in the Sijimali hills and surrounding areas of southern Odisha. Locals and activists have consistently raised alarms about the potential devastation of forests, water sources, agriculture, and traditional livelihoods.
The April confrontation in Kantamal saw police using batons and tear gas to disperse gathering villagers, a move heavily questioned by activist groups. Nearly 58 people, including police personnel, sustained injuries in the clash. While civil rights bodies warn that the current case could heavily pressurise those opposing mining projects, the police insist the matter solely concerns alleged criminal conduct during the clash.
Previously, in July 2025, the Orissa High Court had quashed an administrative order that barred Dr Sequeira from entering Rayagada district ahead of a planned protest against the Sijimali mining project. The court had deemed the restriction unjustified, stressing the need to balance public order with constitutional rights.