Rayagada, 17th July 2025: An administrative investigation has been conducted in Kanjamajodi village of Shikarpai Panchayat under Kalyansinghpur block of Rayagada district. The inquiry was initiated as per the instructions of District Collector Parul Patwari, and a 6-member committee visited the village and held discussions with the locals.
The committee, led by Sub-Collector Ramesh Jena, included officials such as Kalyansinghpur Tehsildar Ranjan Kumar Manaseth, District Welfare Officer Asima Rani, District Supply Officer Subhranshu Bhoi, Sub-Divisional Social Security Officer Shrilanta Panigrahi, District Coordinator Dibakar Parichha, Child Development Officer Mamata Rani Das, Social Security Officer Bishwajit Singh Samantaray, Block Welfare Officer Chandan Das Bangari, and Kandhkul Samaj President Jogendra Swataka. Other attendees included Shikarpai Sarpanch Chaitanya Tiaka, Revenue Inspector Bishwanath Sabar, Panchayat Officer Prashanta Sahu, ICDS Supervisor Jyotsna Panda, SDPO Gaur Chandra Sahu, and the local police station IIC.
The investigation was prompted by a widely circulated incident involving two young lovers, Piyusha and Putura, from Kanjamajodi. As reported in newspapers and TV channels, the couple was allegedly forced by villagers to plough a field using a yoke, as punishment for their relationship — a shocking act that drew national attention.
Under the Collector’s direction, the committee visited the village and recorded statements from the couple and other residents. However, the Sub-Collector clarified that nothing unlawful had occurred as per initial findings. He stated that the events were part of a tribal custom, not an act of public punishment as portrayed in the media.
According to official Neelakantha Behera, the act of pouring water and ploughing the land was done as per traditional customs of the Kandhkul tribal community, with consent from both villages involved. Despite this, the administration emphasized that such tribal traditions must not conflict with the law, and awareness should be raised in such matters — a sentiment echoed by community leaders Jogendra Swataka and Shankar Huika.
The couple’s statements were also recorded. The officials questioned individuals one by one for over three hours, trying to understand the situation and context behind the act.
Earlier on July 9, a village meeting reportedly barred the couple from marrying, citing family ties. Later, the couple was allegedly beaten and forced to plough a field — an act seen by many as a violation of human rights laws. Following widespread circulation of videos on media, the Collector ordered a formal investigation.
The Sub-Collector confirmed that the inquiry is ongoing, and the final report will soon be submitted to the District Collector. Interestingly, the couple publicly stated that they support what the villagers did, claiming it was in line with their tribal traditions, and no villager acted wrongly.
> (Note: This incident highlights the complex overlap of tribal customs and modern legal systems, raising questions about cultural preservation vs. human rights enforcement.)
No responses yet