Dalit family in Odisha faces social boycott for refusing child marriage

A scheduled caste family has been facing social boycott since last three years after refusing to marry off their minor daughter in Balia Pati village under Singla police limits of Balsore district. Prasant Bar, his wife, and daughter have been socially boycotted by villagers denying them access to water, firewood, village temple, local shops, marketplaces, and agricultural fields.

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Three years back, Prasant’s daughter studying in class-IX was abducted by a youth from Jambhirai and was later rescued. After her return to home, villagers and the youth’s parents pressured Prasant and his wife to accept the girl’s marriage with the youth. But, Prasant refused citing she was a minor and that she desired to pursue higher education. Since then, a number of meetings were held between both parties