Tribal woman’s family ostracized for contesting in panchayat poll

A Kangaroo Court allegedly ostracized a ward member and her family for contesting in panchayat poll in violation of its order. 

According to sources, the state government had reserved the ward member seat for a tribal woman at ward no 20 at Gohirigadia village under Barunagadia panchayat in Balasore district. A village meeting was held opposing the government’s decision and the only tribal family residing in the village was asked not to contest in the panchayat poll. 
Besides, the village meeting had threatened to banish Girith Soren’s family from village if she takes part in the election. Besides, the meeting warned of taking action against fellow villagers if they were found to be helping Girith.
Girith, however, submitted her nomination papers with the support of five families of the village. GIrith not only contested the election but she was also elected unopposed. 

The village head called a meeting in which Kangaroo Court decided to ostracise Girith’s family and five other families that supported Girith. That’s not all. These six families have also been banned from worshipping at Shiva temple and buying things from village shops.  The village court has also made it clear that those who will be having conversation with these families will have to pay a penalty of Rs 10,000.

Meanwhile, Girith reported the matter to the Sarpanch, block development officer and District Collector.

Girith said, “We are banned from meeting people, buying things from village shops and worshipping in our village temple just because I stood for the post of ward member in the panchayat election despite being a tribal.”  

Niranjan Rout, an ostracized villager, said “Going against the Kangaroo court we helped Girith to win the election and thus invited village head’s wrath.” 

On the other hand, the village head Bijayananda Behera refuted the allegations terming it as a political conspiracy. “These are baseless and untrue allegations. Election was held three months back. I could see a political conspiracy behind such allegations.”

Barunagadia sarpanch Karunakar Mallick said “I have received written complaint in this regard. I got to know from the letter that as Girith belongs to a tribal community and contested the poll, villagers have ostracized her. I have taken up the matter with the higher authorities. If needed, I personally visit the village to resolve the issue.” 

When contacted, Balasore Dstrict Collector K Sudarshan Chakroborty said I have asked the block development officer to launch an inquiry and submit a detailed report. Based on the report, I would take necessary action.”