Barmer/Sirohi, June 27 -- A complaint has been filed alleging that 43 families have been ostracised by community leaders for serving a simple meal instead of traditional ghee-based malpua during a funeral feast in Sirohi district, police said. The incident took place in Mandwariya village under the Barlut police station area. The affected families, many of whom are related to one another and reside in small hamlets in and around Mandwariya village, have alleged that they are being subjected to a complete social and economic boycott. According to the families, during the funeral feast held on June 17, the bereaved family, citing severe financial hardship, opted to serve a simple meal as they could not afford to prepare the customary ghee malpua. This reportedly angered over a dozen community elders, who on June 18 allegedly issued a diktat expelling not only bereaved family but also 42 other families that supported them. The victims allege that since the boycott was imposed, local shopkeepers have refused to sell them groceries, landowners have stopped offering them work, and they have even been barred from drawing water from the village's public well. Families say children are suffering hunger due to the denial of essential supplies. Restrictions have also reportedly been imposed on social interactions and family functions. Villagers have allegedly been warned that anyone violating the diktat by visiting or hosting the ostracized families would face a penalty of Rs.11,000 along with the obligation to host a community feast. Several victims narrated the boycott's impact. Kamla Devi questioned fairness of the punishment, asking, "If we could not prepare ghee malpua, does that mean we are no longer human?" The affected families had filed a complaint on June 25. "A complaint was received and the matter is under investigation. Prima facie, the dispute appears to have stemmed from an old rivalry, but all aspects are being thoroughly examined. Necessary action will be taken in accordance with the law," said Ramesh Kumar, the investigating officer....