Odisha Rayagada Couple Beaten, Tied to Yoke, Forced to Plough Field and Taken to Temple for Purification

In Odisha's Rayagada district, a young couple was subjected to a public punishment by villagers after marrying against local tribal customs. The couple was tied to a wooden yoke and forced to plough a field like oxen. During the ordeal, they were also beaten with sticks. Following this, they were taken to a temple for a purification ritual. The incident has drawn attention to the severe social sanctions imposed by the community on relationships that defy traditional norms. Additionally, reports noted that the bride had to walk through mud while the groom was carried on shoulders in a village lacking proper road infrastructure.