St. John’s Academy backs arrested doctor and tribal rights activist

BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News) — St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences has expressed solidarity with alumnus Doctor Randall Sequeira following his arrest in Odisha, voicing concern for his family and hoping for his early release and a peaceful resolution.

In a statement dated Oct. 19, the Bengaluru-based institution run by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’ Society for Medical Education, said it was “deeply saddened to learn about the arrest of Dr. Randall Sequeira, an alumnus of St. John’s Medical College.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult and distressing time,” the statement said.

Father Jesudoss Rajamanickam, director of the academy, signed the statement, which offered support to Sequeira and his family during what it described as a challenging period.

Academy hopes for early release

“As a doctor dedicated to the noble mission of healing and serving people, we sincerely hope and pray that he will be released soon,” the statement said.

The institution also expressed concern for Sequeira’s safety and well-being, while praying for strength for his loved ones.

“We earnestly hope that this difficult situation will come to a peaceful resolution at the earliest,” it said.

“Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt concern are with Dr. Randall and his family,” the statement concluded.

Doctor’s work among Adivasi communities

Sequeira trained as a physician at St. John’s Medical College in Bengaluru and has worked for more than five years with Adivasi communities in Kalahandi, focusing on health care, social justice and access to clean water, air and nutritious food.

He has also opposed proposed mining projects in the Kutrumalli and Sijimali forest areas, where mining interests have raised concerns among local communities over potential environmental damage, pollution and displacement.

The academy’s statement did not address the allegations against Sequeira. Instead, it focused on his welfare and that of his family, expressing hope that the case would be resolved peacefully.

Arrest linked to April clashes

Sequeira and Laxman Naik, both tribal rights and anti-mining activists, were arrested on Oct. 16 in Odisha’s Kalahandi district in connection with clashes between police and residents in nearby Rayagada district in April.

The arrests followed confrontations on April 6-7, when police used tear gas and batons against residents, with injuries reported on both sides.

Police allege that the two activists instigated tribal residents to attack security personnel during an anti-mining protest in Kantamal village. They face serious charges, including rioting, attempted murder and violations of the Arms Act, and are being held in Rayagada sub-jail, according to reports.

The arrests come amid a campaign led by the prominent grassroots community forum in Odisha – Maa Mati Maala Surakhya Manch – with Adivasi and Dalit communities organizing sit-ins, marches and vigils against proposed bauxite mining projects in the region.

The Wire reported that more than 100 Adivasi and Dalit people had been arrested in 43 cases since the resistance began in 2023. Activists allege that criminal cases are being used to intimidate opponents of mining projects.

Read the statement.