Tragic Suicide in Balasore Following Daughter's Public Humiliation Over Liquor Allegations
A heartbreaking incident has unfolded in Balasore district, where a 60-year-old man allegedly died by suicide after his 25-year-old married daughter faced severe public humiliation and physical assault by local villagers. The distressing events occurred in Charadia village, located within Bhadrak district, following allegations of illegal liquor trade involving the family.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The deceased has been identified as Lambodar Tarai. According to police reports and family members, Lambodar consumed poison late on Sunday night. He was immediately rushed to Chandbali hospital for emergency medical treatment but tragically succumbed to his condition on Monday morning.
Police investigations reveal that on Sunday evening, a group of women—reportedly members of local women's associations protesting against illegal liquor trade—along with some youths, forcefully entered Lambodar's residence. Armed with sticks and various household tools, they allegedly assaulted family members and vandalized the home, accusing them of operating an illicit liquor business.
Brutal Public Humiliation of Daughter
The situation escalated dramatically when Lambodar's daughter, Lakshmipriya Parida, was dragged from her home and taken to the village square. There, she was allegedly beaten and subjected to extreme public humiliation. In a particularly degrading act, she was forced to wear a garland of shoes around her neck—a form of social punishment intended to publicly shame her and her family.
Following this humiliation, the village 'court' allegedly imposed a hefty fine of Rs 1 lakh on the family. Lambodar reportedly managed to secure his daughter's release by paying Rs 10,000 on the spot. However, family members have stated that the group continued to threaten them with further harassment and even potential arson attacks.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
After the incident, the family lodged a formal complaint at Bansada police station. During their investigation, police officers seized the garland of shoes from the victim's house as evidence of the humiliation inflicted upon Lakshmipriya.
Prabhas Sahu, the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Chandbali, confirmed that a case has been registered against ten individuals allegedly involved in both the assault and the illegal kangaroo court proceedings. One man has already been arrested in connection with the case and has been remanded to judicial custody by the court.
Background of Illegal Liquor Trade in Charadia
Local residents have claimed that illegal liquor trade has been persisting in Charadia village despite numerous complaints to authorities. Women's groups had previously organized protests demanding strict action against such activities. However, alleged inaction by enforcement agencies reportedly led to mounting frustration among villagers, eventually resulting in this breakdown of law and order.
Lakshmipriya Parida stated that the humiliation and torture deeply affected her father, who was unable to cope with the severe mental trauma. This emotional distress ultimately led him to take his own life, highlighting the devastating psychological impact of such public shaming incidents.
This tragic case underscores serious concerns about vigilante justice, community policing gone wrong, and the urgent need for proper law enforcement intervention in rural areas facing similar social issues.
