Tension prevailed in Odandi village of Nabarangpur district after some local residents allegedly opposed the cremation of a 50-year-old woman at the village cremation ground following her religious conversion, officials said.
The deceased, identified as Gagiri Gond, died at around 4 pm on Monday. She was a resident of Odandi village under Kacharapara-3 panchayat in Raighar block.
Gagiri had lost her husband, Mang Gond, a few years ago and was living with her three daughters and a son. Her family had reportedly converted from their original religion to another faith several years ago.
Dispute Erupts Over Last Rites
Following Gagiri’s death, her relatives and friends gathered in the village and began preparations for her last rites at the local cremation ground.
However, some villagers allegedly objected to the cremation, citing her religious conversion. The disagreement soon escalated into an argument between the two groups and later turned into a physical altercation.
As the situation remained unresolved, Additional Tehsildar Shivani Naik, Papadahandi SDPO Surajit Kandel and Umerkote police station IIC Jugal Sabar visited the village on Tuesday morning.
The officials held discussions with both sides and attempted to pacify the groups and resolve the dispute.
Body Remains Uncremated For Over 30 Hours
Despite the intervention, the villagers reportedly remained firm in their opposition to allowing the cremation at the village ground.
As a result, Gagiri’s body remained uncremated for more than 30 hours while authorities continued efforts to resolve the matter.
With tension persisting in the village, police deployed one platoon of force in Odandi as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
Officials said efforts were continuing to resolve the dispute and facilitate the deceased woman’s last rites.
