NHRC Seeks Report From Odisha Govt On Families Facing Social Boycott

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report from the Odisha government on 11 families being allegedly subjected to social boycott in Ganjam district.

The Commission issued the direction to the state Chief Secretary asking him to submit the report within four weeks while acting on a complaint by human rights activist Rabindra Mishra.

The complainant claimed that 11 families are being subjected to social boycott by an organisation called Biruli Taluka Reddy Mahajan Sangha in Ganjam district of the state.

It was further alleged that 74 families are being subjected to social boycott in Banai area of the state. Some people are being subjected to harassment on false allegations of practicing black magic.

Stating that though the matter had been brought to the notice of the Collectors of Ganjam and Gajapati districts, no action has been taken by the authorities till date, the complainant requested the Commission to intervene into the matter.

The Commission said an Action Taken Report should be sent to it within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of the letter.

The petitioner claimed that the practice of ostracism, social boycott, Kangaroo Court and witch hunt like social evils continue in and the efforts of the state government’s mechanisms have turned into fiasco in wiping out these inhumane practices.