– Abdul Bari Masoud
Nabarangpur, Odisha – Christian Adivasis in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district are facing burial discrimination. A new fact-finding report shows at least seven incidents since 2022 involving denial of burial, desecration of graves, and forced conversions.
These violations are happening in the home district of Odisha’s Minister for SC, ST, and Minorities. This raises concerns about political and administrative failure.
The report highlights systemic bias and violations of constitutional rights, especially against Christian Adivasis. It exposes cases of grave desecration, denial of burial space, and official apathy.
A joint fact-finding team visited Nabarangpur on April 26–27, 2024. It included Manas Jena, Ajaya Kumar Singh, and advocates Sebati Soren, Sujata Jena, and Kulakant D.
Case 1: Body Exhumed and Stolen
Saravan Gond, a 20-year-old Christian who died in Maharashtra, was buried in his native village. His body was exhumed and stolen.
Case 2: Pressured to Convert for Burial
Keshav Santa, 85, died on March 2, 2025, in Siunaguda, Umerkote block. Though he was Hindu, his sons are Christian. Villagers objected to the burial. Earlier, in 2023, when Keshav’s son Damu died, villagers also denied burial. They said Christians must convert to Hinduism to bury their dead. Tirpu Santa, a relative, was forced to sign a conversion document to bury his father.
Case 3: Buried in Forest
Domu Jani, 60, from Pondikote village, was denied burial. His wife, Shanti Jani, was told to convert to Hinduism to use the burial ground. She refused. The body was buried 3 km away in a forest. The village has only 40 Christian families.
Case 4: Posthumous Hindu Conversion
Chandra Harijan, 73, from Suruguda village, was buried as a Hindu. His wife, Jamuna, felt helpless and allowed the conversion. She still practices Christianity in private.
Case 5: Declared Hindu After Death
Madhu Harijan, 27, from Menjar village, was buried as a Hindu. His Christian family faced backlash for bringing his body in a coffin. The village has just 8 Christian families.
The Christian community says they’ve asked the district for a burial ground many times. Once officials agreed, but withdrew after Hindu protests.
These actions violate Articles 21, 25, and 17 of the Constitution—right to life, freedom of religion, and ban on untouchability.
The report blames local officials for indifference and complicity. It points to the VHP’s “Jago aur Jagao” campaign, which urges villagers to block Christian burials. Some officials echoed this view in meetings.
A community leader said a BJP leader yelled, “Kill them, kill those who dig the grave.” A young girl said she was beaten during a burial dispute.
Nabarangpur has the highest poverty index in Odisha. About 59.3% live below the poverty line. Illiteracy among tribal women is at 72%. This makes them vulnerable to pressure and hate campaigns.
Christians form just 2.63% of the population but are falsely seen as a threat by extremist groups.
Recommendations from the Report
Make burial rights a legal guarantee as per NHRC and SC guidelines.
Use BNSS laws to punish violators.
Apply the Protection of Civil Rights Act.
Stop misuse of PESA to block burials.
Act against hate-mongers.
Create Minority Rights Cells and allocate burial lands.
Improve coordination through District Legal Services Authorities.
The right to burial is a basic human dignity. In Nabarangpur, that right is being denied due to religion. The Odisha government must act quickly to stop this injustice.
Trust in institutions is fading. Symbolic gestures aren’t enough. Only firm legal and administrative steps can restore faith and peace.
