Angul, August 29: In a deeply disturbing incident from Kandahal village under Nakachi panchayat in Odisha’s Angul district, a Dalit woman was subjected to public humiliation and inhumane treatment after failing to repay a loan of ₹2,000. The incident, captured on video and now viral on social media, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for justice.
According to local sources, the woman had borrowed the amount from a village committee. Unable to repay the loan, she was allegedly punished by a self-styled "kangaroo court" comprising local women. As part of the so-called punishment, the woman’s face was blackened, a garland of slippers was hung around her neck, and she was paraded through the village.
The victim filed a written complaint at Handapa police station on August 14. However, allegations have surfaced that local police, village authorities, and community leaders attempted to suppress the matter, taking no immediate action despite the serious nature of the incident.
Sources also indicate that the woman has since left the village, with reports suggesting she may have been pressured into silence.
The incident only came to light after the video went viral online, drawing public attention and condemnation. Civil society groups and human rights activists have now called for immediate action against the perpetrators and accountability from local authorities.
An official response from the district administration and police is still awaited at the time of this report.
