New Delhi/Rayagada: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken notice of a troubling report regarding a Scheduled Tribe woman in Odisha who faced social ostracism after marrying a man from a Scheduled Caste.

According to reports, the villagers insisted that the woman's family undergo a purification ceremony to regain acceptance, threatening them with a prolonged boycott if they did not comply.

In response to the villagers' demands, the woman's family felt compelled to adhere to the ritual, resulting in the shaving of heads for 40 family members.

This incident occurred in Baiganguda village, located in the Kashipur block of Rayagada district.

The NHRC expressed concern over the report, stating that if the allegations are accurate, they represent a significant infringement of the victims' human rights.

Following the circulation of a video showing the family with shaved heads, which gained traction on social media, local authorities initiated a thorough investigation. A block-level official was dispatched to the village to look into the situation.

The NHRC has formally requested a comprehensive report from the Chief Secretary of Odisha within a two-week timeframe.

Founded under the Protection of Human Rights Act in 1993, the NHRC serves as an independent statutory body dedicated to the promotion and safeguarding of human rights in India. Its primary mission is to uphold the rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity, as guaranteed by the Constitution and recognized in international covenants enforceable in Indian courts.

The NHRC possesses the authority to act on its own initiative based on media reports, public awareness, or other sources, without needing a formal complaint regarding human rights violations.