RDC probe into plough pulling punishment to tribal couples in Odisha's Koraput, Rayagada
A senior officer of the RDC office visited Narayanapatana block in Koraput and Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district to inquire about the brutal punishment imposed by villagers on the couples. During two-day visit from Monday to Tuesday, deputy director Ashok Satapathy accompanied by local officials from both districts visited Konjamjodi and Pedaitiki villages where the alleged inhumane acts were committed by tribal community members.
The officials conducted awareness meetings in the villages with Kondh community heads, advising them against such inhumane traditions that violate basic human rights.
Government officials, PRI members, and members of tribal community participated in the meetings. They also took oath from villagers to not repeat such inhumane traditions and advised them to maintain traditions through normal means without punishing anyone.
'The tribals carried out 'Ambopani' rituals by tying the couple to a yoke and forced them to pull plough on the village road. It was an inhumane and illegal act in the name of tradition.
We advised people not to repeat such acts in the future by taking law into their hands.' The ground report will be provided to the RDC after completion of the visit for further action, he added.
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New Indian Express
17-07-2025
- New Indian Express
RDC probe into plough pulling punishment to tribal couples in Odisha's Koraput, Rayagada
JEYPORE: The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Southern Division has ordered a probe into two incidents of young couples forced to plough fields as a measure of purification and punishment for marrying within the same clan. A senior officer of the RDC office visited Narayanapatana block in Koraput and Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district to inquire about the brutal punishment imposed by villagers on the couples. During two-day visit from Monday to Tuesday, deputy director Ashok Satapathy accompanied by local officials from both districts visited Konjamjodi and Pedaitiki villages where the alleged inhumane acts were committed by tribal community members. The officials conducted awareness meetings in the villages with Kondh community heads, advising them against such inhumane traditions that violate basic human rights. Government officials, PRI members, and members of tribal community participated in the meetings. They also took oath from villagers to not repeat such inhumane traditions and advised them to maintain traditions through normal means without punishing anyone. 'The tribals carried out 'Ambopani' rituals by tying the couple to a yoke and forced them to pull plough on the village road. It was an inhumane and illegal act in the name of tradition. We advised people not to repeat such acts in the future by taking law into their hands.' The ground report will be provided to the RDC after completion of the visit for further action, he added.
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Koraput couple forced to pull plough for marrying against customs: Police register case, start probe
JEYPORE: A day after a tribal couple was tied to a yoke and paraded like bullocks through the streets of Pedaitiki village in Narayanapatana block, Koraput police suo motu registered a case on Monday and started investigation into the inhuman incident. As part of probe, the Narayanapatana block development officer (BDO), tehsildar and IIC visited Pedaitiki and inquired about the involvement of villagers who forced Narendra Pidika (22) and Asanti Pidika (21) to undergo the 'purification' ritual for marrying in the same tribal clan. Around six villagers were also called to Narayanapatana police station for questioning and later released. Koraput collector V Keerthi Vasan asked all the BDOs of the district to spread awareness among the tribal communities in their respective areas not to adopt such practices in the name of purification rituals. The collector also urged the PRI members to remain alert and prevent such acts by tribal communities. 'The administration has taken the issue very seriously and directed the BDOs and PRI members to prevent such inhuman acts in the tribal villages. No one will be allowed to harm anyone's self respect or rights in such a manner. People found indulging in these practices will face strict action,' he added. Sources said Narendra and Asanti Pidika, both belonging to the Kondh community, fell in love and got married. They eloped to Andhra Pradesh during the Rath Yatra festival and returned to their respective homes three days back. However, their union was not accepted by the tribal community which considered marriage between blood relatives a taboo. On Sunday, a meeting was convened by village elders and family members of the couple following which they decided to carry out the 'purification' ritual before accepting the marriage. As part of the ritual, the couple was tied to a yoke and paraded like bullocks on the streets of Pedaitiki in full public view. Subsequently, they were made to offer prayers before the village deity and finally allowed to stay in Narendra's house.
New Indian Express
25-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Juvenile among nine arrested for torturing two dalit men in Odisha's Ganjam district
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