In Sorab taluk, many villagers face severe social boycott imposed by powerful unofficial village committees. Ganapathiyappa, 75, a resident of Duguru, shares his agony: “I am in agony for years. Recently my younger brother died. I could not go to pay my last respects. When I die, none of them can come either.” These committees largely target families within the Deevaru (Ediga) caste, along with Scheduled Caste and other backward class families. Those defying the committees face boycotts. Manjappa Naik from Barige explains, “The families that go against the will of the committee are likely to face the boycott. Similarly, those who support such people also face the same order.” Several cases highlight the harsh reality. Valliyamma’s Scheduled Caste family was boycotted for going to court to claim land. Praveen Kumar’s family suffered boycott after filing a police complaint following a clash. Similarly, Ganeshappa’s family was punished for contesting land rights. These villagers’ complaints to officials, including Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, have largely gone unheard. Boycotted families face social exclusion: shops refuse service, barbers deny help, and children are isolated. Ganeshappa said, “My son could not attend the Anganwadi centre in the village. Now I have admitted him to a school at Sorab.” Manjappa Naik added, “In many cases, daughters are not allowed to see their parents on their deathbeds.” Minister Madhu Bangarappa denies social boycott exists in his area but says law will act if needed. Meanwhile, affected families await relief from the Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025, recently approved by the Governor. Valliyamma hopes, “Our children have been denied social life. They cannot play with neighbours and relatives. We are praying for a peaceful co-existence.”