A deeply troubling incident unfolded in Kushdahana village under Komna block of Nuapada district, where the body of 65-year-old Denath Majhi lay unattended for 18 hours following his death.
The delay was reportedly due to a caste-based boycott imposed by the local community.
Denath had participated in the funeral rituals of a widow three years ago without the permission of the caste council. His family had also supported the widow’s family during her ten-day mourning ceremony last year. This act of solidarity was viewed as a breach of caste norms by some members of the community, leading to Denath’s family being socially ostracized.
On Tuesday around 4 PM, Denath passed away after a prolonged illness. However, no one from the caste society came forward to assist with his funeral rites. The body remained in the house until Wednesday morning.
Upon receiving information, Lakhna police, led by Inspector-in-Charge Durgamadhab Bag, along with SI Maheswar Das Sunani, ASI Kamalakanta Panda, and Ashok Mahapatra, visited the village. After counseling the locals, the police ensured that the funeral was conducted around 10 AM on Wednesday.
This incident highlights the persistent grip of caste-based discrimination in rural India, where social norms can override basic human compassion—even in death.
