Caste boycott: Elders bar villagers from attending final rites in Jagtial village

In a disturbing incident in Kandanakunta village of Jagtial district, caste elders allegedly prevented villagers from attending the funeral of a man whose family was under social boycott, forcing his family members to carry the bier themselves

Jagtial: In a shocking incident, village elders allegedly barred relatives, members of the community and other villagers from participating in the final rites of a man whose family had earlier been subjected to a caste boycott in Kandanakunta of Birpur mandal.

According to villagers, the family of Edula Rajesham had been boycotted by caste elders following a dispute some time ago. After Rajesham died due to health problems, the village Sarpanch and caste elders reportedly prevented relatives, community members and others from taking part in the funeral procession.

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Though the family members pleaded with the caste elders by touching their feet, the latter refused to relent.

With no one coming forward to carry the bier, the deceased’s wife, his sisters, uncle and other family members carried it themselves and performed the final rites.

A video of the family members carrying the bier went viral on social media platforms.