Rayagada: In a shocking case of mob trial, a young couple was allegedly subjected to brutal and humiliating punishment at Kanjamajhira village in Odisha’s Rayagada district for marrying against local societal norms. The incident triggered widespread outrage after a video went viral.
As per information, the young man and woman had fallen in love and recently got married. Their relationship was not accepted by villagers as the man is reportedly related to the woman. Their union considered taboo by local customs.
The two had earlier reported to have been punished and forced to leave the village for being from the same family. However, the villagers came to know about the couple’s relationship after they were seen together in the locality.
Following this, the villagers convened a community meeting and decided to punish the duo as per their tribal customs.
A video of the incident circulating on social media showed the couple being forced to plough a farmland by carrying a plough on their shoulders like oxen after offering prayers to the village deity.
Villagers reportedly forced the two to perform this humiliating act, claiming it was part of a traditional punishment.
As per tribal traditions prevalent in the area, individuals from the same clan are considered blood relatives and therefore, marriage or romantic relationships between them are strictly prohibited.
Sources said that after the ritual punishment, the couple was banished from the village. Since then, their whereabouts remain unknown.
There has been no official response from the district administration so far.