Times Of India reports

Seven Dalits — Bideshi Nayak, Ramachandra, Sudama, Nilakantha, Sakhi, Sanju and Puspalata Nayak — were ostracised from Goruala village near Puri for refusing to beat drums in a temple — a practice that their forefathers had been doing for ages.

Though about three months have passed since they were ostracised, there seems to be no solution to their woes. “We are not free. In the 21st century we still live like slaves. The upper caste people continue to suppress us. Surprisingly the district administration is laggard in taking any steps,” said Bideshi.