A deeply disturbing incident in Odisha’s Bhadrak district has led to the death of a man by suicide, allegedly following the public humiliation of his daughter by local villagers who accused her of selling illicit liquor.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Chhadia village, where residents, reportedly associated with a self-help group, accused the woman of bootlegging. According to the family, the group vandalised a nearby shop before storming the woman’s house, assaulting family members and forcibly dragging her to the local market.
Alleged public humiliation and fine
The woman was allegedly paraded through the village and publicly intimidated. Sridhar Parida, the deceased man’s brother, said the group imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the family, which was later reduced to ₹30,000 after repeated pleas.
“She was dragged through the streets and threatened. Our family was humiliated in public,” Parida alleged, adding that the incident left the family traumatised.
Father consumed poison, dies in hospital
Unable to cope with the humiliation and alleged harassment of his daughter, the woman’s father reportedly consumed poison on Sunday night. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed on Monday.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the village, with residents expressing concern over the growing practice of informal and unlawful punishments being imposed by local groups.
Police warn against ‘kangaroo courts’
Confirming the incident, Inspector Mohd Hafiz of the Bansada police station said an investigation has been initiated.
“No individual or group has the authority to punish anyone outside the framework of law,” he said, adding that strict action would be taken if allegations of a kangaroo court and unlawful punishment are established.
Police are examining allegations of assault, illegal detention and abetment, and are recording statements from villagers and family members.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger action against vigilante-style justice and greater protection for vulnerable families.