Balasore: A 60-year-old man allegedly died by suicide after his 25-year-old married daughter faced public humiliation and was assaulted by locals over allegations of illegal liquor trade in Bhadrak district’s Charadia village.The deceased has been identified as Lambodar Tarai. Police and family members said Lambodar allegedly consumed poison late Sunday night and was rushed to Chandbali hospital, where he died during treatment on Monday.
Police said that a group of women, allegedly members of local women’s associations protesting against illegal liquor trade, along with some youths, stormed Lambodar’s house on Sunday evening. Armed with sticks and household tools, they allegedly assaulted family members and vandalised the home, accusing them of selling illicit liquor.Lambodar’s daughter, Lakshmipriya Parida, was dragged out of her home and taken to the village square where she was allegedly beaten and subjected to public humiliation, including being forced to wear a garland of shoes around her neck. Locals said the act was meant as a form of social punishment.The village ‘court’ allegedly imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the family. Lambodar reportedly managed to secure his daughter’s release by paying Rs 10,000 on the spot. Family members alleged that the group continued to threaten them with further harassment and even arson.Lakshmipriya said that the humiliation and torture deeply affected her father, who was unable to cope with the mental trauma, ultimately leading him to kill himself.After the incident, the family lodged a complaint at Bansada police station. During investigation, police seized a garland of shoes from the victim’s house.Prabhas Sahu, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Chandbali, said that a case has been registered against 10 individuals allegedly involved in the assault and illegal kangaroo court proceedings. A man was arrested in this connection and a court remanded him in judicial custodyLocals claimed that illegal liquor trade has been continuing in Charadia despite repeated complaints to the authorities. Women’s groups had earlier organised protests demanding strict action, but alleged inaction by enforcement agencies reportedly led to rising frustration and eventual breakdown of law and order.