Khap Panchayat / Rs 45,000 Fine Over Love? Malkangiri Man Dies By Su*cide After Village Meeting

Malkangiri, Sep 1: A 22-year-old man allegedly died by su*cide in Malkangiri district after he was assaulted and fined Rs 45,000 at MV-92 village meeting over a relationship with a married woman, a source said on Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Sagar Sarkar, son of Rabi Sarkar and a resident of MV-92 village in Malkangiri.

According to the family, Sagar had allegedly developed a relationship with a married woman while working in Andhra Pradesh and later brought her to Malkangiri. The matter led to a dispute in the village, following which a meeting was convened by village elders.

Sagar's brother Rakesh Sarkar alleged that the family was called to the meeting, where Sagar was assaulted and the family was imposed a fine of Rs 45,000. Although the woman desired to live with Sagar, the village elders abused the couple and blamed Sagar.

“My brother fell in love with a married woman in Andhra Pradesh and he came to the village on our insistence. After he came home, the villagers called for a meeting. When we went to the meeting, they roughed up my brother and fined our family Rs 45,000,” Rakesh said.

Sagar's father, Rabi Sarkar, alleged that his son was deeply humiliated and traumatised following the incident.

“My son felt humiliated and was traumatised. We are a poor family. From where could I have arranged that much money? My son was under severe tension. Hence, he took the extreme step,” Rabi said.

However, Ramkrishna Sil, president of the village meeting, denied the allegations of violence. He said the relatives of the married woman had approached him to resolve the matter, following which the meeting was convened.

“The relatives of the married woman contacted me and told us to resolve the situation. Hence, I called a meeting. There was no coercion from our end. The allegations of violence are baseless,” Sil said.


Asked why the village elders did not approach the police, Sil said the matter was considered one concerning the dignity of the woman. He also said the woman is married and has a 3-year-old child.

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Meanwhile, Malkangiri police reached the spot after being informed about the death. The body was recovered and sent for post-mortem examination. Police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The deceased's family has demanded a detailed investigation and legal action against those found responsible.

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Tele-MANAS (National Tele Mental Health Programme): Dial 14416 or 1-800-89-14416 (available 24×7)
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If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional or contact one of the above helplines.