A shocking incident highlighting caste-based discrimination has surfaced from Pradhanipada village under Lanjigarh block in Odisha's Kalahandi district on Thursday. A man, whose father had married into a different caste, was denied dignity even after death, as neither relatives nor villagers came forward to carry his body for the last rites.

The deceased, identified as Mahendra Dalai, had been living alone in the village for over 15 years following the demise of his parents. As per reports, even eight hours after his death, no one offered assistance in taking his body to the cremation ground. Friends and neighbours also refrained from helping. Finally, three female relatives, daughters of the deceased’s uncle, carried the body on their shoulders to the cremation ground, where the final rites were performed.

Family Shunned for Four Decades

Reports indicate that Mahendra’s family had been ostracised for nearly 40 years after his father married outside his caste. Following the inter-caste marriage, both parents were reportedly exiled from the family and village. Despite living in the same locality, the family continued to face social exclusion from the rest of the community.

Caste Practices Persist in Rural Areas

Instances of such social ostracism remain prevalent in several backward regions, where inter-caste marriages are often not accepted by traditional communities, reportedly. In many rural areas, such outdated social practices still hold strong despite legal safeguards promoting equality.

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When contacted, the district collector declined to make an official statement but assured that an investigation into the matter would be carried out, as sources said.