Bhopal, Sep 16 - More than three weeks have passed since a Dalit family was ostracised and forced to leave their village in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district. But, according to media reports, the police and the administration have failed to either rehabilitate them or to take action against anyone.

Bhupati Das's family, including his wife and four children, were ostracised after they were charged with practising black magic Aug 22. Das was away from home at the time.

Media reports have said that upper caste villagers thronged Das's house and started abusing his wife. The mob alleged that Das was a sorcerer and that he had used black magic to stop the rain.

Holding Das responsible for the drought conditions in the area, the villagers razed his house and destroyed his belongings. His wife, three daughters and son were forced to leave the village immediately.

When Das reached his home after lodging a complaint with the police, he found that the villagers had cleaned the debris and placed stones, smeared with vermillion, all around.

On hearing that his children's life was in danger if he stayed in the village, Das took shelter at his friend's home in Chichanda village, 40 km away.

Das also complained about the incident to Superintendent of Police R.