Odisha Family Faces Social Ostracism After Inter-Caste Marriage, NHRC Intervenes

The NHRC has taken up the case of a tribal family in Odisha’s Rayagada district facing social boycott after an inter-caste marriage. The Commission has requested a detailed report from the state government. The villagers demanded a purification ritual, including the shaving of heads, for the family to be accepted back into the community. They threatened a permanent boycott if the family refused. The NHRC has observed potential human rights violations and has sent a notice to the Chief Secretary, requiring a report within two weeks. As reported, family members were forced to participate in the ritual. The incident happened in Baiganaguda village, Kashipur area, on June 19. The purification ritual included animal sacrifices. The woman, belonging to a Scheduled Tribe, had married a man from a different caste. The community meeting imposed the purification ritual to address the breach of social norms. After a video of the incident was shared widely on social media, the district administration initiated an investigation.