Family Ostracised For Objecting To Cow Grazing In His Field In Odisha’s Balangir

Balangir: A family of a village in the district was allegedly ostracised by the villagers after he raised objection as his neighbour’s cow devoured his vegetable crop.

Following the ostracisation, the victim filed a complaint at Sadar police station. As per the complaint, Jubak Kanda of Banharpali had cultivated long beans in his farmland. On October 9, the cow of Radhakanta Pradhan of his village strayed into the farmland and devoured the crop.

It led to an altercation between Jubak and Radhakanta. On October 11, a village meeting was held where it was decided that no villager will talk to Jubak’s family. The villagers were also asked not to buy ration items from the shop of Jubak’s elder bother. They were warned that if any of them violated the decision, he will have to pay a penalty of Rs 10,000.

“As the villagers are not coming to my brother’s shop, it has affected my family’s livelihood. My family members are not allowed to enter the village playground.  Fearing penalty, people are also refusing to work in our farmland,” Kanda stated in his complaint, according to sources.