Family Faces Social Boycott Over Inter-Caste Marriage in Ganjam
Police in Odisha's Ganjam district have registered a case against nine individuals, including a village head, for allegedly ostracising and humiliating the family of an additional tehsildar following his inter-caste marriage. The incident has sparked concerns about persistent caste discrimination in rural communities despite legal protections.
Complaint Details Social Exclusion
Bijay Behera of Munishipenth near Chhatrapur filed the formal complaint on Thursday, stating that community members targeted his family after his son, Saudagar Behera, who serves as additional tehsildar of Aska, married outside their caste. The situation escalated when community members allegedly prevented Bijay from participating in a wedding feast within his community.
According to police reports, Bijay had traveled to Munishipenth specifically to attend his relatives' marriage reception. Though the Behera family originally belongs to Munishipenth, they are currently settled in Dhenkanal district. The exclusion from community events represents a serious form of social boycott in the rural context.
Community Denies Allegations, Police Seek Resolution
Community members have strongly refuted the claims of ostracisation. Speaking anonymously, one representative stated, "There was no ostracisation of the family by the community. He was not invited to the feast but had gone there on his own. We will settle the matter amicably."
Chhatrapur police station IIC Sabyasachi Malla confirmed that based on Bijay Behera's complaint, authorities have registered a case against the community members. Malla added that police have initiated reconciliation efforts by inviting both parties for discussion. "I have already spoken to their community's district president, who has shown interest in solving the matter amicably," the police official stated.
Broader Pattern of Caste Discrimination
This incident is not isolated in the region. According to sources, similar cases of social ostracisation over inter-caste marriages have occurred previously, though many were resolved through community mediation or police intervention.
Human rights activist Rabindra Mishra expressed deep concern about the persistence of such social practices. "Besides taking action against the offender, massive awareness needs to be created by the government to prevent such social evil in society," Mishra emphasized, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches beyond legal measures.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges in combating caste-based discrimination, even as India has implemented strong legal protections for inter-caste couples. The police's dual approach of registering cases while facilitating amicable resolutions reflects the complex social dynamics involved in addressing such sensitive matters.
