TV
An alarming incident of social boycott has surfaced in Odisha’s Puri where families have allegedly been ostracized by the local community over a voting dispute.
The reports have come from Palasri village under Charichhak police station in Puri district where three families have alleged social ostracism.
As per the complaint raised by the aggrieved, they are reportedly being socially boycotted after rejecting pressure to vote for a particular party during the last assembly elections.
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A few influential individuals in the village have allegedly imposed social ostracism on these families for not voting for them despite being instructed to do so.
The three families have a total of about 20 individuals who are currently facing severe difficulties in accessing basic needs and facilities.
Taking their case to be heard, the families approached the Puri District Collector seeking justice and also staged a demonstration in front of the Nimapada Tehsildar's office.
“We cannot fetch water or groceries let alone interact with anyone else as a result of the ostracization,” said Manmohan Pradhan, a member of one of the three boycotted families.
Moreover, he also expressed displeasure over the complaint having not been resolved yet by adding, “Even after having lodging a request, no step has been taken so far to ensure justice to us.”
Meanwhile, Nimapada tehsildar, Basanta Hati stated that the families had not approached him personally. “I was not aware of any such case until the media approached me on it. However, I shall now take note of it and look into the matter,” he said.
On the other hand, the ostracized families have warned of an indefinite hunger strike if justice is not delivered by the administration.
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In response, the tehsildar added in his address that he would listen to the grievances, investigate, and take appropriate action as per the law of the land.
