A disturbing video has emerged from Kanjamajodi village under Shikarpai panchayat in Odisha’s Rayagada district, showing a man and woman being yoked like oxen and forced to plough a field as punishment for marrying within the same clan.
The viral clip captures the couple, Lak Saraka and Kodia Saraka, subjected to public humiliation in front of village elders and residents. According to reports, the two were in a relationship despite being related as maternal aunt and nephew—locally called “piusi nani.”
“Under our tribal tradition, members of the same clan are regarded as siblings or close relatives. Such marriages are a serious transgression,” said villager Shyamadhar Miniaka.
After a customary council meeting, elders imposed the punishment, compelling the couple to drag a wooden plough across their shoulders. Witnesses said the ordeal did not end there—both were later flogged and expelled from the village. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.
Human rights activists and legal experts have condemned the act as unconstitutional and inhumane, highlighting that such community-led punishments violate basic rights and protections guaranteed under Indian law.
Rayagada Superintendent of Police Swathy S Kumar confirmed that authorities have taken serious note of the incident. “A team will be sent to investigate, and necessary legal action will follow,” she said.
The video has sparked widespread outrage on social media, renewing calls for stronger protections against caste- and clan-based discrimination and vigilantism.