Bhubaneswar, May 19 -- Eight families from Padmapur village in Rayagada have alleged that they were socially ostracised by villagers for marrying outside their caste. The affected families submitted a complaint before the grievance cell of the district administration on Tuesday, seeking intervention and justice.

According to the complainants, the families have been barred from participating in social and community activities in the village after some members entered into inter-caste marriages. They alleged that villagers declared them outcasts and severed all social ties with them.

The families further claimed that local residents have been threatening others in the village with similar social boycott if they maintain any relationship o...