NUAPADA: When they cast their vote in the last panchayat elections, seven families had no clue that they would be ostracised by the villagers for not voting in favour of a particular candidate.
Four months after the election, the matter continues to remain unresolved and 36 members of the seven families in Palsipani village of Pendraband panchayat under Komna block continue to suffer in silence.
Informing about the case, Sarpanch Amresh Pattnaik said three candidates - Nityanand Sabar, Manoj Kumar Hans and Pabitra Panda - had contested for the post of Ward Member in Ward 8 on February 8. Hans won the seat. The Sarpanch said, of the total 355 population, 243 are eligible voters. However, Nilambar Bhoi, Biswambar Bhoi, Binod Behera, Chudamani Behera, Rupin Harpal, Manmath Hans and Kunda Hans and their families voted for Sabar.
The incident was enough for Hans to nurse a grudge against the seven families. When villagers decided to organise a yajna in the village on Shiva Ratri, all agreed to the proposal and collection of subscription began. But, a sudden meeting of the villagers was convened and it was alleged that the seven families were not cooperating. This was enough for the rest to gang up and ostracise them. It was also resolved that no one in the village would talk with them. Anybody who dares do so will have to cough up `5000 as fine and face ostracisation.
Recalling that he was the one who had mooted the idea of yajna, Nilambar said it was a conspiracy by Hans to settle scores for not voting for him. The seven families were involved in the yajna and had paid their contribution but the amount was returned. He alleged that they are being harassed for expressing their democratic rights. However, Nilambar said they are fortunate to have a dug well and bore-well on their land from where they are drawing water to cook. They continue to be barred from all events.
The Sarpanch said he learnt about the incident at a Palli Sabha on May 7 and hoped that the matter would be resolved soon. The IIC of Komna police station, Shalya Naik had also visited the village and is trying to settle the dispute.