Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Chhattisgarh Villagers Refuse Burial for Christian Convert, Body Unburied for 3 Days
Imagine a person named Manish who lived in a village and followed one religion.
He decided to follow a different religion called Christianity.
When Manish passed away, his family wanted to bury him on his own land in the village.
However, many people in the village who follow the traditional religion said no.
They believe that people who change their religion should not be buried in their village.
The police tried to help, but they couldn't convince everyone.
So, Manish's body stayed unburied for three days while his family tried to find a place.
This situation has happened before in other villages, and sometimes it even goes to the country's highest court.
Some people think changing religion is a challenge to old traditions, while others want to be buried where they grew up.
It's a disagreement about where Manish should have his final rest.
Villagers in Kodekurse, Chhattisgarh, refused to allow the burial of Manish Nishad, a 50-year-old Christian convert.
Nishad's family has been unable to bury his body for three days after his death, moving it between villages and the hospital mortuary.
Villagers cited adherence to traditional customs and beliefs, stating converts cannot be buried within village limits.
Police intervention failed to resolve the dispute, and attempts to bury the body in other locations were also blocked.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between traditional religious practices and Christian converts in tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, referencing past conflicts and Supreme Court cases.
- Who
- Manish Nishad (deceased Christian convert) and his family, Kodekurse villagers, a Hindu organization, police, and Christian community representatives
- What
- A controversy over the burial of a Christian convert, with villagers refusing permission, leading to the body remaining unburied for three days.
- When
- The incident began on Tuesday after Manish Nishad's death and continued for three days, with the body still unburied.
- Where
- Kodekurse village, Kanker district, Chhattisgarh, with attempts made in Charama and Raipur.
- Why
- Villagers cited traditional customs and religious beliefs, stating that those who convert away from the traditional faith cannot be buried within village limits, impacting tribal identity and reservation rights.
Christian Community and Family
Villagers and Hindu Organization
Burial Location
Christian Community and Family
The family wishes to bury Manish Nishad on his private land within the village.
Villagers and Hindu Organization
Villagers object to the burial within village limits, citing traditional customs and demanding the body be taken outside or follow village tradition if buried.
Religious Conversion and Burial Rights
Christian Community and Family
They believe conversion should not prevent burial rights on their own land.
Villagers and Hindu Organization
Some villagers and a Hindu organization believe individuals who leave their traditional faith should not be buried in the village and link this to tribal identity and reservation rights under the Fifth Schedule and PESA Act.
Administrative Action
Christian Community and Family
The Christian community and family feel the administration has failed to provide a solution or suitable land for burial.
Villagers and Hindu Organization
Panchayat officials cite the Fifth Schedule and PESA Act, suggesting burial should only occur in designated community areas following village tradition.
- Deceased
- Manish Nishad, 50-year-old Christian convert
- Location
- Kodekurse village, Kanker district, Chhattisgarh
- Incident Start Date
- Tuesday (death), with body unburied for 3 days
- Key Legislation Mentioned
- Fifth Schedule, PESA Act
- Previous Incidents
- Violence in Jamgaon (July 2025), Bastar cremation dispute reaching Supreme Court (January)