Inter-Caste Tragedy in Odisha: Woman Killed by Husband, Police Step In for Last Rites

(OT Webdesk)In a deeply disturbing incident from Rengali village in Deogarh district, Odisha, a woman was allegedly killed by her husband and denied dignity in death due to her inter-caste marriage.

Sabita Mahanta, originally from Tevapal village in Angul, had married Bijay Nayak in 2009 despite caste differences. Their union, though longstanding, faced persistent societal disapproval.

On Wednesday, a domestic dispute escalated fatally when Bijay reportedly set Sabita ablaze using kerosene. She succumbed to her injuries after being treated in multiple hospitals, including Cuttack.

Upon the return of her body post-mortem, both her natal and marital families refused to perform her last rites, citing caste-based objections.

In a rare act of compassion and civic duty, Barakot Police officers led by Inspector Biranchi Nayak conducted the cremation. After repeated appeals, Bijay’s relatives eventually assisted in completing the rituals.

The incident has reignited conversations around caste discrimination and the role of law enforcement in upholding human dignity.