Yadgir, Feb 14 (NationPress) In spite of the Karnataka Congress-led government implementing a law aimed at combating the issue of social ostracism, alarming reports of such practices have emerged from Shahapur town in Yadgir district, Karnataka, on Saturday.

The affected families assert that even after filing complaints with the police and relevant authorities, no action has been taken against the individuals responsible.

It has been reported that over 15 families in Shahapur have allegedly faced ostracism from members of their own community for the past eight years.

The ostracized families mention that an unspoken rule has been established, prohibiting others from entering into marriage alliances with them.

Gangu Bai Paanibaate, a representative from one of the ostracized families, expressed, "We are also being excluded from community activities such as Jihveshwara, Hanuman, and Krishna Jayanti celebrations. This social boycott has drastically impacted our livelihoods, relationships, and fundamental social rights. We implore the district administration and relevant departments to take immediate action."

The families, who belong to the Swakulisaali community, allege that the boycott was enforced after they requested information regarding the accounts and income generated from properties managed by the community association.

They claim that the Jihveshwara Kalyana Mantapa and 18 commercial shops in Shahapur accumulate an annual revenue of approximately Rs 25 lakh. When 20 families raised questions about the income and its management, the association's president and members allegedly retaliated by declaring a social boycott against them.

Suresh Firangi, another individual from the ostracized group, noted, "In a recent occurrence, a boy from one of the ostracized families was publicly humiliated and dismissed during a sports event associated with the Jihveshwara Jayanti celebrations. Among the initial 20 families targeted, eight were exempted from the boycott after paying a fine, while the remaining 12 families continue to endure ostracism for refusing to pay the penalty."

Tehsildar Siddaroodha commented, "We have received the complaint. The victims allege that social ostracism has been imposed for the last 30 years. The police have contacted both parties involved. I have instructed the police inspector to initiate legal proceedings against the accused, and we plan to visit the police station. It is unacceptable for individuals to exclude members of their own community and others. The police have conducted a meeting, but as it has not yielded results, we are urging them to file an FIR."

Meanwhile, instances of social ostracism linked to superstition and traditions have frequently surfaced across the state, prompting legislative measures.

On December 18, 2025, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025, unanimously. According to this new law, individuals found to have imposed or supported a social boycott during an investigation could face up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Under this act, victims of social ostracism can file complaints directly at a police station or approach a magistrate. First-class judicial magistrates now have the authority to conduct inquiries. Additionally, Deputy Commissioners have been empowered to prohibit gatherings aimed at imposing social boycotts and to issue necessary directives.

The enactment of this law is seen as a crucial step toward eradicating the practice, even as families in locations like Shahapur persist in seeking justice and protection.