NHRC Probes Alleged Social Boycott of Tribal Family in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Jun 25 (PTI) - The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken notice of a troubling incident in Odisha, seeking a report from the state government concerning an alleged social boycott threat against a tribal family. This comes after a female member of the family married a man from a Scheduled Caste in Rayagada district.

According to a release from the NHRC, it has been reported that the villagers demanded a purification ritual if the woman's family wanted to regain acceptance in the community. They faced threats of an indefinite boycott if they declined to comply. Inter-caste marriages are traditionally frowned upon within the Rayagada tribal community, with such unions being considered taboo.

On its own initiative, the NHRC took cognizance of a media report on this issue and has issued a notice to the chief secretary, requesting a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission observed that if the news report is accurate, it raises serious concerns regarding human rights violations against the victims.

The media report from June 21 indicated that the woman's family gave in to the village's demands. As part of the ritual, the heads of around 40 members of her extended family were shaved. The incident reportedly occurred on June 19 in Baiganaguda village, Gorakhpur gram panchayat, under Kashipur block. The situation gained public attention after a video showing men with tonsured heads surfaced on social media. PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

The woman, who belongs to an ST community, married the SC man without her family's consent, sparking unrest in the village. Following a village council meeting, it was proposed that male relatives of the woman shave their heads and perform sacrifices of goats, chickens, and pigs to appease the local deity. The woman's family was allegedly threatened with ostracism if they did not adhere to these community norms.

Upon investigation, the Rayagada district administration stated that officials visited the village and spoke with the families involved. Both the bride's and groom’s families reportedly told officials that they did not have any grievances and that the rituals were conducted voluntarily.