In an instance of deep-rooted caste prejudices prevalent in remote villages, the relatives, including son, of a deceased old man refused to participate in his last rites. This was reportedly because the deceased had allegedly married for the second time a woman belonging to a lower caste. The funeral was delayed by 12 hours.

The incident took place in Chingiranali village in Bahalpadar Panchayat under Birmaharajpur Block of Subarnapur district. The deceased was Beda Padhan from Chingiranali.

As per reports, Beda had married Sumitra Chaulia (80) about 40 years ago as his second marriage. Earlier, Sumitra had reportedly married Pujari Chaulia (85). After the second marriage of Sumitra, her family members, who disapproved of it, cut off all relations with the couple. Even Sumatra's family members performed funeral rites in her name. Hence, after the death of the Beda, they refused to participate in the last rites of Beda.

As the body kept lying unattended for hours, two gentlemen of Chingiranali offered Rushi Padhan, son of the deceased, to do the funeral rite of his father. However, Rishi said that if he performed the rites, he would be ostracized by the community, besides being fined heavily.  

Rishi asked the gentlemen to pay him Rs 20,000 if they wanted him to perform the rites, which he would pay as fine to the community to get back to it. However, the gentlemen who wanted to help could not accept the offer.

Later, after getting information about the incident, six social workers from the social organisation, HELP TO OTHERS, of Binka came forward and performed the last rites of Beda.

While contacted, HELP TO OTHERS president Srujan Kumar Panda said, “We carried Beda’s body to the burial ground and cremated it as per Hindu rituals.”