Family alleged of theft socially boycotted by locals in Palakkad

PALAKKAD: A family in Palakkad city has been socially boycotted (Ooruvilakku) by the local residents after being charged with theft. The victims have been identified as Unnikrishnan and his family, residents of Kunnathurmedu Arunthathiyar street. They have been banned by the Chakliya community in the area. According to reports, the social boycott was imposed two months back and is continuing till date.

A child’s necklace was lost during a temple festival in the area. The child’s relatives portrayed Unnikrishnan's wife Soudamini as the culprit. Following which, the ban was imposed and the family was completely isolated. They were not allowed to enter the temple as well. Other children of the city refused to play with Unnikrishnan's children. According to the family, even their sole source of income, sewing, was lost too.

However, the community leaders said that the family has not been socially boycotted. We have only warned them for acting against the temple rituals, they added. Meanwhile, Unnikrishnan has lodged a complaint with the chief minister and the district collector seeking justice for his family.