Couple Ostracised From Odisha Village For Allowing Daughter To Work

Ganjam: An elderly couple of Badakhandi village under Hinjili block in Ganjam district has been ostracised from the village for refusing to follow the village committee’s diktat, asking their daughter to quit her government job.

Nadi Bhagwan and Nadi Rajeshwar have uploaded a video on social media pleading the Chief Minister for justice. They have also sought intervention of the Collector and the SP in the matter.

Mamata, their youngest daughter, works as a teacher at Laxmipur Government Girl’s High School. Following a tiff with her husband, she came back to her maternal home and had since been living with her parents, sources said.

The village committee found this extremely objectionable. On July 5, it ordered Mamata to quit her job and go back to her husband.

The couple in the video further alleged that they were being harassed and asked to pay up Rs 5,500 as fine. They were barred from walking on the village road and buying ration from the grocery shop. They were also not allowed to cultivate own lands.

Water and electricity connections to their house were cut-off and villagers asked not to keep any contact with the family.

Following the diktat, they have been staying with their daughter in Gajapati district, the sources added.

Speaking to media, the village sarpanch admitted having issued the diktat. But was quick to add that it was withdrawn after police intervened and asked them not to take law in their hands.