A recent fact-finding report by legal experts and human rights activists has documented at least seven serious cases of burial denial, desecration, and coerced religious conversion since 2022
NEW DELHI – A disturbing wave of communal discrimination is sweeping through Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, where Christian Adivasis are being denied their fundamental right to bury their dead with dignity. A recent fact-finding report by legal experts and human rights activists has documented at least seven serious cases of burial denial, desecration, and coerced religious conversion since 2022—exposing deep communal fault lines in one of Odisha’s poorest regions.
Ironically, these violations are occurring in the home district of the state’s Minister for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Minorities—raising serious questions about political accountability and the lack of administrative will, media reports reaching here said on Thursday.
The report reveals a disturbing pattern of systemic discrimination and violation of constitutional rights. It outlines a consistent failure by local authorities to act on behalf of vulnerable tribal Christian communities—despite repeated pleas for help.
Exhumed, Denied, Converted: Ground-Level Findings
A joint fact-finding team, comprising members of the Odisha Lawyers Forum and local activists, visited Nabarangpur from April 26–27, 2024. The team included Manas Jena, Ajaya Kumar Singh, and advocates Sebati Soren, Sujata Jena, and Kulakant D.
Among the documented cases:
1. Body Exhumed and Stolen
Saravan Gond (20), a tribal Christian youth who died while working in Maharashtra, was buried in his native village. Soon after, his body was exhumed and stolen by local elements opposing Christian burials.
2. Buried Faith, Denied Rights
Keshav Santa (85), a Hindu Adivasi from Siunaguda village, died on March 2, 2025. While Keshav followed Hinduism, his sons had embraced Christianity—provoking hostility from villagers who objected to a Christian burial. His son, Tirpu Santa, was forced to sign a document falsely declaring himself a Hindu to bury his father. Previously, Tirpu had also been denied burial rights for his daughter and cousin under similar pressure.
3. Buried in the Forest
Domu Jani (60), from Pondikote village, was denied burial after his wife, Shanti Jani, refused to convert to Hinduism. The family was compelled to carry his body nearly three kilometers to bury it in a forest. Their village has around 40 Christian families in a predominantly Hindu population.
4. Posthumous Conversion for Burial
Chandra Harijan (73), a Dalit Christian from Suruguda village, was posthumously declared a Hindu to secure a burial. His widow, Jamuna Harijan, consented under pressure, although she continues to practice Christianity in private.
Similarly, Madhu Harijan (27) from Menjar village was declared a Hindu after his body—brought in a coffin—provoked the ire of Hindu villagers. His family had no access to burial land and faced threats unless they agreed to a false religious conversion.
A Pattern of Intimidation and Inaction
The Christian community in Nabarangpur says repeated requests for a designated burial ground have gone unheeded. In at least one case, land was briefly allocated but later withdrawn after Hindu groups protested, demanding that no land be given to Christians.
These incidents represent grave violations of Articles 21, 25, and 17 of the Indian Constitution—enshrining the right to life, religious freedom, and protection against untouchability and caste-based discrimination.
Complicity and Extremism
The report also exposes administrative apathy and the growing influence of extremist groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The VHP’s “Jago aur Jagao” campaign has actively encouraged villagers to block Christian burials, with leaders claiming villagers have the right to deny burials to “converts.”
A community leader recounted that a BJP politician incited violence, shouting, “Kill them—kill those who dig the grave.” A minor girl testified to being beaten and humiliated during a confrontation over a buria
Poverty and Illiteracy Fuel Vulnerability
With a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of 59.3%, Nabarangpur is Odisha’s most impoverished district. Illiteracy among tribal women stands at a staggering 72%. These conditions make Adivasi Christian communities especially vulnerable to communal manipulation and coercion.
Christians comprise just 2.63% of the district’s population—yet they are disproportionately targeted and framed as a threat to religious and cultural identity by radical groups.
Key Recommendations from the Report
- Enact specific legislation to safeguard burial rights, aligned with NHRC and Supreme Court directives.
- Apply provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prosecute perpetrators.
- Enforce the Protection of Civil Rights Act against caste and faith-based discrimination.
- Prevent misuse of the PESA Act, which is being exploited to justify denial of burial under tribal customs.
- Investigate and prosecute fundamentalist actors inciting violence.
- Establish Minority Rights Cells in each district and allocate dedicated land for Christian burials.
- Strengthen community-police coordination and promote legal awareness via District Legal Services Authorities.
A Call for Urgent Action
The right to bury one’s loved ones with dignity is a basic human right. In Nabarangpur, that right is being systematically denied to Christians on religious grounds—tearing apart the fabric of India’s secular democracy.
The Odisha government must intervene immediately to stop these violations, uphold constitutional protections, and restore the rule of law.
As tensions escalate and trust in institutions erodes, the time for symbolic assurances is over. What is needed now is decisive legal and administrative action to protect India’s most marginalised citizens.
