A shocking incident of caste discrimination unfolded in Kongra village under Tentulikhunti block of Nabarangapur district when villagers refused to carry the body of Durjan Majhi because his daughters married outside their caste.
Durjan Majhi passed away last night, leaving behind two sons and two daughters. Villagers denied support for his funeral, citing his daughters’ inter-caste marriages. The situation worsened when his elder son also refused to participate, claiming caste restrictions.
With no help from the community, Majhi’s younger son, Shiva Majhi, his younger daughter, Swapna Majhi, the deceased’s sister, and nephew carried the body to the cremation ground. They performed the last rites alone, while neighbours watched but did not lend a hand.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the persistence of casteism in society. The family expressed grief not only over the loss but also over the humiliation they faced during the funeral. They appealed to the district administration for justice and demanded action against those responsible for the discriminatory act.
Community leaders condemned the incident, stressing that such practices undermine social harmony and human dignity. The Nabarangapur case highlights the urgent need for awareness and enforcement of laws against caste-based discrimination.
