Koraput, March 23: An inter-caste love marriage in Odisha’s Koraput district has reportedly led to the imposition of traditional social penalties, raising concerns among sections of society.

According to reports, the incident took place in the Machhara forest area, where a community meeting was convened under a tent near a hill. The gathering witnessed the counting of bundles of cash and arrangements for a community feast.

Maheswar Khila of Kumbhar Sahi in Jeypore had been in a relationship with Urmila, a girl from the Rana community, for a long time. Belonging to the Mali community, Maheswar’s marriage with Urmila faced opposition from both communities. Eventually, the couple went ahead with a love marriage.

Following this, community leaders termed the act a violation of traditional norms and called for a meeting to resolve the issue. As per the decision, Maheswar was asked to undergo a head-shaving ritual, host a mutton feast for the community, and pay a fine of ₹90,000.

The directives were carried out, with a feast organized near Machhara and the ritual performed. Subsequently, Urmila was accepted into the Mali community.

Community representatives stated that such practices have existed for generations and continue to be followed. However, the incident has triggered concern among many youths, who have expressed disagreement with such customs, though most refrained from speaking openly.