Age-old tribal custom forces couple into exile after 'kangaroo court' punishment in Rayagada

KORAPUT: In a chilling reminder of how deeply entrenched traditions can still dictate the fate of individuals in remote tribal belts, a young couple from Kanjamajodi village under Shikarpai panchayat under Kalyansinghpur police limits in tribal-dominated Rayagada district was reportedly punished by a kangaroo court for being in a love marriage simply because they belonged to the same clan.

The shocking incident, which went viral on social media on Friday, shows the couple being subjected to public humiliation in the presence of village elders and community members. In the video, the young man and woman are seen yoked like oxen with a wooden plough across their shoulders, forced to till a field as punishment for their alleged 'crime' of falling in love.


The punishment didn’t stop there. After performing rituals before the village deity, the elders allegedly flogged the couple. Soon after, both were driven out of the village. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.

The couple — identified as Lak Saraka and Kodia Saraka — was in a relationship despite being related as maternal aunt (locally referred to as piusi nani) and nephew. As per tribal customs followed in many parts of Odisha, marriages within the same clan are strictly prohibited as such relationships are considered equivalent to those between siblings or close blood relatives.

“According to our tribal tradition, people of the same clan are considered brother and sister or aunt and nephew. Marriage between them is a grave violation,” said Shyamadhar Miniaka, a villager.

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Sources said that once the relationship came to light, the village elders held a customary council meeting and pronounced the punishment. The so-called 'justice' was carried out in full view of the village — a tradition that activists and legal experts have repeatedly condemned as unconstitutional.

What is more alarming is that no action has been taken yet. However, Rayagada SP Swathy S Kumar said the matter will be looked into. “A team will be sent to inquire into the incident, and necessary action will be taken,” the SP said.