Nabarangpur: Tension prevailed after a family was denied permission to conduct last rites in the village cremation ground due to religious conversion in Raighar block of Odisha's Nabarangpur district. The conflict, which took place in Dumurimunda - a tribal-dominated village - led to a delay of nearly 30 hours before the funeral could finally take place.

As per reports, Raimati Gond (70) passed away around 3 pm on Tuesday. When her family attempted to take the body for cremation to the village cremation ground, several villagers objected. The opposition stemmed from the fact that Raimati and her family had converted to another religion about three years ago. Some members of the village community insisted that, due to the conversion, the cremation could not be allowed at the common village burial ground under any circumstances. With the dispute escalating, a village meeting was convened.

Deadlock resolved after police mediation

Police and administrative officials including Raighar police station officer, Umerkote SDPO and the local tehsildar, reached the spot to mediate. Despite prolonged discussions, the disagreement between the two groups continued well into the night.

Eventually, a resolution was reached where instead of the village cremation ground, the last rites was decided to be conducted on the deceased’s ancestral land. Following this decision, the body was finally taken for cremation after a delay of approximately 30 hours.

The incident highlights ongoing social tensions around religious conversion in rural areas, prompting administrative intervention to maintain law and order.

Also read: Religious conversion on rise in Odisha: 34 Hindus converted in Koraput in 10 years