Ten families of Kutragada village under Muniguda police station limits in Rayagada district alleged that they have been socially ostracised by fellow villagers and denied access to several community activities. This incident prompted them to seek intervention from the district administration and police.

The affected families submitted a written complaint to the District Collector and the Additional Superintendent of Police. They demanded protection and an impartial inquiry into the matter. The allegations, however, was denied by villagers.

Families Allege Social Boycott

According to the complainants, the families were allegedly ostracised after not attending a village meeting. They claim they were since excluded from village functions and prevented from offering prayers at the local temple.

The families further alleged that they are not being allowed to attend the last rites of deceased relatives or visit the cremation ground during funerals. They also claimed that obstacles are being created for their children in accessing education.

Complainant Dambaru Karkaria said, “This is an unfortunate incident. We were ostracised around one-and-a-half years ago. Since then, we have not been allowed to travel in autorickshaws. Our children have been asked to get down from vehicles while travelling to school. Even government school teachers avoid speaking to us. Grocery stores are not providing us with essential items. We have faced mental harassment and do not know why we were ostracised.”

Villagers Reject Allegations

Villagers rejected the allegations and maintained that the affected families are not being deprived of any facilities.

Kutragada villager Ghasiram Bag said, “There was a dispute between villagers and six families, and there were specific reasons behind it. We had lodged a police complaint after one of our children and teachers were threatened. The families are able to access all facilities. Their children attend Anganwadi centres and schools, and they are not facing any difficulties. They are also allowed to use the cremation ground.”

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Administration Assures Inquiry

Following the complaint, the district administration and the Additional Superintendent of Police reportedly assured the families that the matter will be examined and necessary steps will be taken after verification of the allegations and counterclaims.