Rayagada: A shocking case of social ostracism has come to light from Kanjamajodi village under Shikarpai panchayat in Kalyansinghpur block of Odisha's Rayagada district, where a tribal couple in love was reportedly punished and forced to leave the village for being from the same family.

According to reports, the villagers came to know about the couple's relationship after they were seen together in the locality. Following this, the villagers convened a community meeting and decided to punish the duo as per their tribal customs.

In a viral video circulating on social media, the couple was seen being forced to plough a farmland by carrying a plough on their shoulders after offering prayers to the village deity.

Villagers reportedly forced them to perform this humiliating act despite their reluctance, claiming it was part of a traditional punishment.

As per tribal traditions prevalent in the area, individuals from the same clan are considered blood relatives and therefore, marriage or romantic relationships between them are strictly prohibited.

Sources said that after the ritual punishment, the couple was banished from the village. Since then, their whereabouts remain unknown.

There has been no official response from the district administration so far.