Berhampur: Parents of a minor boy, who is alive, were forced to perform his last rites to cure him of a disorder in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
The bizarre incident shows how superstitious believes are deep-rooted in the society.
A couple of Baghua village under Jagannath Prasad block in the district was asked by the villagers to perform the death rituals of their only son, a minor.
As per reports, the is suffering from Hairy Nevus, growth of hair on the face, chest and hand, since his birth. Believing that the hair growth would invite bad luck for them, the villagers suggested that the parents should perform the last rites of the bot while he is still alive to alter thee curse.
Accordingly, the couple fell to the superstition and performed the last rites on Monday. All these rituals were conducted in a clandestine manner, the little boy’s head was tonsured and a feast was organised for the villagers.
The poor couple which has been struggling to make ends meet had to borrow Rs 10,000 for the purpose.
It may be mentioned that district administration had earlier helped the family and the boy had undergone surgery at Paediatric Surgery department of MKCG Medical College and Hospital to cure him of the condition. He returned to the village after surgery but developed wounds all over the body and villagers ostracised the family.
