Rourkela: An 80-year-old woman in Sundargarh's Bonai block died on Wednesday after being socially ostracised for 12 years, with villagers allegedly refusing to even participate in her cremation. The administration stepped in to perform the last rites.
Suni Mundari (80) and her daughter, Prabhati Mundari (45), of Mahuldiha under Mahulpada police station limits, had been boycotted by their community since 2013 after Prabhati allegedly eloped with a man from another caste. Though she returned home a few months later, the community reportedly imposed a penalty — including a goat, rice and cash — to revoke the boycott. Unable to pay, the mother-daughter duo continued to face social exclusion.
Prabhati, who lived in a hut with her ailing mother, had been caring for Suni alone. With no support from villagers due to the ostracism, the elderly woman's condition deteriorated over the years, eventually leaving her bedridden.
The case came to light recently after some locals informed Bonai sub-collector Ashok Kumar Das about the pair's plight. Acting on his directions, tahsildar Sambit Dash visited the village on Tuesday to probe the allegations.
On Wednesday, during the inquiry, officials found that Suni had died at home. Villagers allegedly stayed away from the funeral due to the social boycott, prompting the administration to arrange the cremation in the presence of her daughter.
Tahsildar teams visited the village and confirmed that the woman and her daughter had been socially boycotted. After her death, the administration ensured her cremation, Dash said, adding that a detailed report is being prepared.
He said community leaders would be summoned and warned against such practices. After the inquiry report, we will also inform the police about this inhuman act, Dash added.
Background of the Incident
The social boycott began in 2013 when Prabhati Mundari, then a young woman, eloped with a man from a different caste. Although she returned home after a few months, the community imposed a fine to lift the boycott. The penalty included a goat, rice, and cash, which the family could not afford. Consequently, the mother and daughter were shunned by the entire village for 12 years.
Impact on the Family
Living in isolation, Prabhati took care of her mother alone. Suni's health declined without access to medical help or community support. She became bedridden and eventually died due to lack of care.
The administration's intervention came after a tip-off from locals. The sub-collector ordered an inquiry, which revealed the extent of the ostracism. The tahsildar's team confirmed the boycott and arranged for the cremation after villagers refused.
Authorities have vowed to take action against those responsible. Community leaders will be warned, and a police complaint may follow. The incident highlights the persistence of caste-based discrimination in rural India.
