The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a report concerning the social ostracization of a tribal family in Odisha’s Rayagada district following an inter-caste marriage. The NHRC has requested a comprehensive report from the state government. The villagers reportedly demanded a purification ritual, including head shaving, if the woman’s family, belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST), wished to be reintegrated into the community. Refusal, they were warned, would lead to an indefinite boycott. The NHRC, noting potential human rights violations, has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The family, including at least 40 members, underwent the ritual, as reported. The incident occurred in Baiganaguda village under Gorakhpur panchayat of Kashipur block on June 19. The ritual involved animal sacrifices before the local deity. The woman, a member of the Scheduled Tribe, had recently married a man from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, despite local opposition. A community meeting mandated the purification ritual to ‘atone’ for the marriage. Following a video’s viral spread on social media, the district administration initiated an investigation.
