Odisha: Family Allegedly Ostracised In Odisha Village Over Opposition To Handia At Tribal Ritual
"We have been facing continuous harassment. My wife was stopped from collecting water and was assaulted": Nimai Murmu
BHUBANESWAR: A family belonging to the Santhal tribal community has allegedly been socially ostracised in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district after opposing the serving of ‘handia,’ a traditional rice-based fermented beverage, during a community ritual, triggering concerns over social discrimination and access to basic amenities.
The incident has been reported from Nedam village under Kaptipada police limits, where Nimai Murmu and his family claim they have been subjected to a social boycott by fellow villagers for advocating reforms within the tribal community and campaigning against the consumption of handia.
According to Murmu, tensions began after he objected to the use of handia during a traditional community feast and urged villagers to abandon the practice. His stance allegedly angered several members of the village, who subsequently decided to socially isolate his family.
Murmu alleged that the boycott extended beyond social exclusion and affected access to essential services. He claimed that his family was prevented from drawing water from the village's common tube well and that his wife was allegedly assaulted when she attempted to fetch water from the public source.
"We have been facing continuous harassment. My wife was stopped from collecting water and was assaulted. We are being punished because we opposed the consumption of handia and have been working for social reform," Murmu alleged.
He said he has been associated with a reform movement within the Santhal community for the past year, promoting awareness against alcohol consumption and advocating changes in certain traditional practices.
"As part of our campaign, we have been encouraging people not to consume handia and have been conducting awareness programmes. However, some villagers opposed these efforts and eventually ostracised our family," he said.
Following the alleged incidents, Murmu and his family approached the local police and lodged a complaint seeking action against those responsible.
However, villagers have strongly denied the allegations of social ostracism and assault.
"He has ostracised himself. He has started worshipping a different God and no longer participates in village activities or customs," said villager Duli Murmu.
Other villagers maintained that the dispute arose due to differences over community traditions rather than any organised social boycott. They argued that Murmu's family had distanced itself from customary tribal practices and therefore disputes emerged regarding participation in certain community facilities and activities.
Police sources said a complaint has been received and the matter is being examined. No official statement regarding the allegations was issued till this report was filed.