Odisha tribe ostracises 4 families for poaching, consuming leopard meat

THIRTEEN family members of four tribal men who were arrested for poaching and consuming leopard meat in Nuapada district of the state have been ostracized by their community for more than a month and a half since November last.

- MAYANK BHUSAN PANI AND DANIS ROY

The Chinda Bhunjia tribe, which holds in high regard traditional values rooted in nature and wildlife conservation, took the stern action, deciding to expel the families from community gatherings and every other social interaction.

The move was intended to send a strong message to the community about the importance of protecting wildlife and upholding traditional beliefs. The incident had come to light when the four men were apprehended by forest officials for hunting a leopard and consuming its meat in Deodhara village under Komna police limits of the district on November 18.