NHRC asks Koraput administration for action taken report on tribal couple’s humiliation

Cuttack: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday directed the Koraput district administration to submit an action taken report within four weeks over an alleged public humiliation and inhuman punishment of a tribal couple.

The NHRC was acting on a complaint filed by Jeypore-based human rights activist advocate Anup Kumar Patro. The plea, submitted on July 13, 2025, was taken up by the NHRC on March 20 this year.In its order, the commission asked the district magistrate and superintendent of police of Koraput to look into the matter and furnish a detailed report in English after taking necessary action. According to the complaint, the incident took place in Peda Itigi village in Koraput district’s Narayanpatna block on July 13, 2025.

A young couple was allegedly punished by a village-level “kangaroo court” for marrying within the same lineage, which is considered taboo in certain tribal traditions.The complainant alleged that the couple was tied together and forced to plough a field like yoked bullocks in front of villagers as part of a so-called “purification ritual.” The petition further stated that the act amounted to serious violations of fundamental rights, including the right to equality, freedom and life with dignity as guaranteed under the constitution.

The NHRC, after perusal of the complaint, forwarded it to the district authorities through online mode, seeking prompt intervention and compliance within the stipulated time. The incident has raised concerns over the reported prevalence of extra-judicial punishments in remote tribal areas and the need for stricter enforcement of law to safeguard vulnerable communities.