Couple Punished for Marrying Against Local Customs

In a shocking incident in Odisha’s Rayagada district, a young couple was subjected to public humiliation for marrying against societal norms. The couple, hailing from Kanjamajhira village, faced the wrath of villagers who disapproved of their union. The man is the son of the woman’s paternal aunt, a relationship considered taboo by local customs. In response, a mob tied them to a yoke and forced them to plough a field, treating them like oxen.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. The footage shows the couple being beaten with sticks by two men as they struggled to drag the yoke across the field. This act of violence and humiliation has drawn condemnation from various quarters, highlighting the ongoing struggle against regressive societal norms.

Forced Rituals and Community Backlash

Following the ordeal in the field, the couple was taken to a village shrine where they were compelled to perform purification rituals. These rituals were intended to ‘cleanse’ them of their perceived sin, reflecting deep-rooted beliefs in traditional practices that continue to dictate personal choices in some communities.

Police Investigation Underway

Superintendent of Police S Swati Kumar announced that law enforcement has initiated an investigation into the incident. A team has visited the village to gather evidence, and a case is expected to be registered soon. This development underscores the need for legal intervention in protecting individual rights against oppressive cultural practices.

Previous Incidents Highlight Ongoing Issues

This is not an isolated case in Rayagada district. In January, another family faced similar punitive measures when 40 members were forced to shave their heads as part of a ‘purification’ ritual after a woman married outside her caste. These incidents highlight persistent challenges in addressing caste-based discrimination and societal pressures in rural India.