A man in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district has alleged that his village panchayat ordered a social boycott against him and his family after he ate at a Dalit household during a post-death ritual. The incident, which occurred about a month ago in Piparia Puaria village of Udaypura, came to light during a public hearing on Tuesday, prompting officials to initiate an inquiry.
According to the complaint, the panchayat reportedly declared a boycott of three upper-caste men for sharing a meal at a Dalit family’s home. It allegedly imposed conditions to avoid ostracism, including organising a village feast. Two of the men agreed, but the third, Bharat Singh Dhakad, refused and instead reported the matter to police. Dhakad said he and his family were being treated as “untouchables” and excluded from community functions.
Udaypura tehsildar Dinesh Bargale confirmed that Dhakad has accused the sarpanch, deputy sarpanch, and other panchayat members of passing the boycott order. He said the matter is under investigation and that legal action will be taken if the claims are found true.
