Bhadrak, Jan 27: A shocking incident linked to the illegal liquor trade has claimed a life in Charadia panchayat of Odisha's Bhadrak district, sparking widespread outrage. A man allegedly died by suicide after his daughter was assaulted and humiliated by a village kangaroo court over accusations of bootlegging. The incident, which took place in Chandabali block, has raised serious concerns about the rise of unlawful village trials and the lack of effective law enforcement.

The identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, but reports suggest that he took the extreme step after his daughter was tortured and degraded by the kangaroo court following allegations of selling illicit liquor.

For the past two weeks, locals had been raising concerns over the rampant illegal liquor trade in the area. A group of village women united to protest against the sale of illicit alcohol, even going so far as to vandalize six liquor outlets. They also filed a formal complaint at the Bansada police station. In response, the police summoned the alleged liquor traders and secured written undertakings from them, in the presence of villagers and members of self-help groups, agreeing to cease their illegal activities. However, liquor sales reportedly continued despite the police intervention.

The situation escalated when members of local self-help groups allegedly assaulted a woman and subjected her to severe mistreatment over accusations of selling alcohol. On December 24, a village meeting was called, where it was collectively decided that no one would be allowed to sell liquor. The very next day, the woman was again accused of violating this decision and was allegedly forced to sit in the village square, where she was physically and mentally tortured. The kangaroo court imposed a ₹1 lakh fine on her.

Although the woman managed to pay ₹10,000, the village authorities continued to demand the remaining amount and subjected her to further abuse, including obscene language. Distressed by the constant harassment and public humiliation of his daughter, her father is believed to have consumed poison, which led to his tragic death.

The incident has drawn attention to the growing problem of illegal village trials and the failure of law enforcement to prevent such actions. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, but the community remains shaken by the brutal nature of the incident and the lack of intervention by the authorities in halting the illegal liquor trade in the area.